Health workers at the Puskesmas

Oct 13, 2025 by leolavanderia.com.br 65 views

Application of Occupational Safety and Health to Rubber Farmers in Galanggang Village, Batang Onang District in 2021

Introduction

Occupational Safety and Health (K3) is a crucial aspect of creating a safe work environment for workers and their environment. In Galanggang Village, Batang Onang District, rubber farmers are exposed to various risks of accidents and health problems due to three main factors: humans, the environment, and work equipment. This indicates that rubber farmers are vulnerable to injuries related to work and health problems. The main purpose of this research is to evaluate the extent of the application of occupational safety and health among rubber farmers in Galanggang Village in 2021.

Background

Rubber farming is a significant industry in Galanggang Village, Batang Onang District, providing employment opportunities for many people. However, the work environment is often hazardous, with potential risks of accidents and health problems. The rubber harvesting process involves several steps, including sharpening a tapper knife, groving rubber scales, giving rubber vinegar, and collecting latex products. The pesticide spraying process also consists of several steps, including preparation, calibration, application, waste disposal, and self-cleaning. The use of pesticides and other chemicals can pose serious health risks to farmers if not handled properly.

Methodology

This study uses a descriptive method, with a total population of 45 people, where all populations are sampled. Data collection was carried out through a questionnaire accompanied by interviews and direct observations. The questionnaire was designed to gather information on the work processes, safety measures, and health problems experienced by rubber farmers. The interviews were conducted to gather more detailed information on the work processes and safety measures. Direct observations were also conducted to gather information on the work environment and safety measures.

Results

The results of this evaluation indicate that the application of K3 among rubber farmers has not been carried out optimally. The study found that most farmers, as many as 44 people (97.8%), often bent when carrying out the rubber harvesting process. In addition, 40 people (88.9%) experienced itching on the skin due to splashing rubber vinegar, 27 people (46.7%) inhaled pesticides when spraying, and 34 people (75.6%) had been hit by a knife incision due to lack of focus when harvesting. These findings indicate that rubber farmers are exposed to various risks of accidents and health problems.

Discussion

The results of this study highlight the importance of implementing occupational safety and health measures among rubber farmers. The lack of use of complete Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during the work process is one of the main obstacles in the application of K3. The study recommends that health workers at the Puskesmas provide empowerment to the rubber farmer community through promotive and preventive efforts. This empowerment aims to protect farmers to live a healthy life and avoid health problems and other negative influences. Rubber farmers are also advised to extend their cutting stems, concentrate more when harvesting rubber, move backwards while spraying pesticides, and increase awareness of the importance of using personal protective equipment during work.

Conclusion

The application of good K3 not only protects rubber farmers from danger but also increases their productivity and welfare. This effort requires cooperation between farmers, health workers, and the government so that occupational safety and health can be applied thoroughly in the agricultural sector. The study highlights the importance of implementing occupational safety and health measures among rubber farmers and recommends that health workers and the government take proactive steps to protect the health and safety of rubber farmers.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Health workers at the Puskesmas should provide empowerment to the rubber farmer community through promotive and preventive efforts.
Rubber farmers should extend their cutting stems, concentrate more when harvesting rubber, move backwards while spraying pesticides, and increase awareness of the importance of using personal protective equipment during work.
The government should take proactive steps to protect the health and safety of rubber farmers, including providing training and education on occupational safety and health.
Farmers, health workers, and the government should cooperate to implement occupational safety and health measures among rubber farmers.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Small sample size: The study was conducted with a small sample size of 45 people, which may not be representative of the larger population of rubber farmers in Galanggang Village, Batang Onang District.
Limited data collection: The study relied on a questionnaire, interviews, and direct observations, which may not have captured all the relevant information on the work processes and safety measures.
Limited generalizability: The study was conducted in a specific context and may not be generalizable to other contexts.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to:

Conduct a larger-scale study: Conduct a larger-scale study to gather more comprehensive data on the work processes and safety measures among rubber farmers.
Use more advanced data collection methods: Use more advanced data collection methods, such as surveys and focus groups, to gather more detailed information on the work processes and safety measures.
Explore the impact of occupational safety and health measures: Explore the impact of occupational safety and health measures on the productivity and welfare of rubber farmers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Occupational Safety and Health for Rubber Farmers

Q: What is Occupational Safety and Health (K3)?

A: Occupational Safety and Health (K3) is a crucial aspect of creating a safe work environment for workers and their environment. It involves the prevention of accidents and health problems related to work.

Q: Why is K3 important for rubber farmers?

A: Rubber farmers are exposed to various risks of accidents and health problems due to three main factors: humans, the environment, and work equipment. K3 is essential to protect rubber farmers from these risks and ensure their health and safety.

Q: What are the main obstacles in the application of K3 among rubber farmers?

A: The main obstacles in the application of K3 among rubber farmers include the lack of use of complete Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during the work process, lack of training and education on occupational safety and health, and lack of cooperation between farmers, health workers, and the government.

Q: What are the benefits of implementing K3 among rubber farmers?

A: The benefits of implementing K3 among rubber farmers include increased productivity and welfare, reduced risk of accidents and health problems, and improved working conditions.

Q: How can health workers at the Puskesmas empower rubber farmers?

A: Health workers at the Puskesmas can empower rubber farmers through promotive and preventive efforts, such as providing training and education on occupational safety and health, conducting regular health checks, and providing access to medical care.

Q: What are the recommendations for rubber farmers to improve their occupational safety and health?

A: The recommendations for rubber farmers include extending their cutting stems, concentrating more when harvesting rubber, moving backwards while spraying pesticides, and increasing awareness of the importance of using personal protective equipment during work.

Q: What role can the government play in protecting the health and safety of rubber farmers?

A: The government can play a crucial role in protecting the health and safety of rubber farmers by providing training and education on occupational safety and health, conducting regular inspections and monitoring, and enforcing laws and regulations related to occupational safety and health.

Q: How can farmers, health workers, and the government cooperate to implement K3 among rubber farmers?

A: Farmers, health workers, and the government can cooperate to implement K3 among rubber farmers by working together to develop and implement occupational safety and health policies and programs, providing training and education on occupational safety and health, and conducting regular inspections and monitoring.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study include a small sample size, limited data collection, and limited generalizability.

Q: What are the future research directions for occupational safety and health among rubber farmers?

A: Future research directions include conducting a larger-scale study, using more advanced data collection methods, and exploring the impact of occupational safety and health measures on the productivity and welfare of rubber farmers.

Q: How can rubber farmers access occupational safety and health resources and services?

A: Rubber farmers can access occupational safety and health resources and services through their local health department, agricultural extension services, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that specialize in occupational safety and health.

Q: What are the consequences of not implementing K3 among rubber farmers?

A: The consequences of not implementing K3 among rubber farmers include increased risk of accidents and health problems, reduced productivity and welfare, and decreased quality of life.