DefinePK

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to identify and describe the health quality of stone carving workers exposed to noise by production machine. A total of 30 workers consisting of 29 men and 1 woman with an average age of 42.2 years, were selected using the saturation sampling method. The respondent had worked for approximately14.4 years (8 hours/day), with 83.3% possessing elementary-junior high school education, and 56.7% had never worn personal protective equipment while working. Their health quality was measured using the physiological and psychological aspect, which includes blood pressure and hearing quality, as well as workers’ comfort. The observation found an average noise level of 117.93 dB, 110dB, and 111.3dB from saw, grinding, and turning machine, respectively. This level is over from the Threshold Value set in the Minister of Manpower Decree, Republic of Indonesia Number 51/Men/1999 is 85 dB for a maximum work time of 8 hours/day. The average blood pressure (systole and diastole) of the respondents was 126.2 and 85.8, in the condition of prehypertension. The hearing quality of 43.3% of the respondents was in a moderate condition in both left and right ears, with an increased hearing threshold on average between 41-60 dB, which led to permanent deafness or Permanent Threshold Shift (PTS). Furthermore, 36.7% of respondents were quite disturbed by noise from the work environment, 50.1% had communication problems, 53% were often fatigue, and 46.7% had muscle tension for the past 4 years. Psychologically, noise in the work environment caused disturbance towards 36.7% of respondents. Therefore, it is concluded that the health quality of stone carving workers in Muntilan Subdistrict, Indonesia, is quite poor. Suggestions from this research are implementing a health literacy program accompanied by assistance and empowerment. As a result, the stone carving workers have a high awareness of access and apply various health information in their daily lives, especially when working.