Improvement of sanitation facilities

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 49 views

The Hidden Dangers of Poor Sanitation and Personal Hygiene in Rubber Factories: A Study on Skin Disorders among PTPN III Gunung Para Factory Wet Station Workers

Introduction

Working in a rubber factory can be a hazardous occupation, especially when it comes to skin disorders. Direct contact with latex and formic acid can lead to a range of skin problems, from mild irritation to severe conditions like dermatitis. However, there are other factors that can contribute to skin disorders among rubber factory workers, including poor sanitation and personal hygiene facilities. This study aims to investigate the relationship between sanitation and personal hygiene facilities and skin disorders experienced by workers at PTPN III Gunung Para Kebun Station in 2018.

Background

Rubber factory workers are at high risk of experiencing skin disorders due to their direct contact with latex and formic acid. In addition to these chemical hazards, poor sanitation and personal hygiene facilities can also contribute to the development of skin disorders. Sanitation facilities play a crucial role in maintaining a clean and healthy work environment, while personal hygiene practices can help prevent the spread of infections and diseases. However, in many rubber factories, including PTPN III Gunung Para Kebun Station, sanitation and personal hygiene facilities are often inadequate, putting workers at risk of skin disorders.

Methodology

This study uses an analytic survey method with a cross-sectional design to investigate the relationship between sanitation and personal hygiene facilities and skin disorders among workers at PTPN III Gunung Para Kebun Station in 2018. Data was collected through observation and questionnaire sheets filled in by workers. The study population consisted of 30 workers at the wet station, and all workers were sampled in this study. Data analysis was carried out using univariate and bivariate analysis, including the chi-square test at a significance level of α = 0.05.

Results

The results of this study showed that PTPN III Kebun Gunung Para had two sanitation facilities, one in the coagulation section and one in the grinding section. However, the sanitation facilities in the grinding section did not meet the specified standards. In addition, the condition of personal hygiene among workers was mostly in a bad category. The analysis conducted showed that there was no significant relationship between sanitation facilities and skin disorders, with a value of P = 0.361. However, there was a significant relationship between personal hygiene and skin disorders, with a value of P = 0.006.

Discussion

This finding suggests that although sanitation facilities in the factory have been considered in certain parts, such as coagulation, there are areas that still need improvement, such as grinding. With no fulfillment of sanitation requirements in the milling department, it is possible that workers remain exposed to unhygienic conditions, although the results of the analysis show that these factors are not directly related to skin disorders. However, poor personal hygiene among workers has been proven to contribute to the emergence of skin disorders. This shows the importance of education and counseling regarding good personal hygiene to workers, especially those who work in an environment that is at high risk of developing hazardous substances.

Recommendations

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

Improvement of sanitation facilities: PTPN III Kebun Gunung Para should make improvements to sanitation facilities, especially in parts that do not meet the standards.
Training programs for workers: Improving training programs for workers regarding the importance of maintaining personal hygiene will be very helpful in preventing skin disorders.
Education and counseling: Education and counseling regarding good personal hygiene should be provided to workers, especially those who work in an environment that is at high risk of developing hazardous substances.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of sanitation and personal hygiene facilities in preventing skin disorders among rubber factory workers. The findings of this study suggest that poor sanitation and personal hygiene facilities can contribute to the development of skin disorders, and that education and counseling regarding good personal hygiene are essential in preventing these conditions. By implementing the recommendations made in this study, PTPN III Kebun Gunung Para can improve the health and safety of its workers, as well as increase their productivity and welfare in the workplace.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Small sample size: The study population consisted of only 30 workers, which may not be representative of the larger population of rubber factory workers.
Cross-sectional design: The study used a cross-sectional design, which may not allow for the identification of causal relationships between sanitation and personal hygiene facilities and skin disorders.
Limited data collection: The study relied on observation and questionnaire sheets filled in by workers, which may not provide a comprehensive picture of the sanitation and personal hygiene facilities in the factory.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to:

Investigate the causal relationships: Investigate the causal relationships between sanitation and personal hygiene facilities and skin disorders among rubber factory workers.
Examine the impact of education and counseling: Examine the impact of education and counseling regarding good personal hygiene on the prevention of skin disorders among rubber factory workers.
Develop effective training programs: Develop effective training programs for workers regarding the importance of maintaining personal hygiene in the workplace.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Sanitation and Personal Hygiene in Rubber Factories

Q: What are the common skin disorders experienced by rubber factory workers?

A: Rubber factory workers are at high risk of experiencing skin disorders due to direct contact with latex and formic acid. Common skin disorders include dermatitis, eczema, and skin irritation.

Q: What is the role of sanitation facilities in preventing skin disorders?

A: Sanitation facilities play a crucial role in maintaining a clean and healthy work environment. Proper sanitation facilities can help prevent the spread of infections and diseases, and reduce the risk of skin disorders.

Q: What are the key factors that contribute to skin disorders among rubber factory workers?

A: The key factors that contribute to skin disorders among rubber factory workers include:

Direct contact with latex and formic acid: Rubber factory workers are at high risk of experiencing skin disorders due to direct contact with these chemicals.
Poor sanitation and personal hygiene facilities: Inadequate sanitation and personal hygiene facilities can contribute to the development of skin disorders.
Lack of education and training: Workers may not be aware of the importance of maintaining personal hygiene and may not know how to prevent skin disorders.

Q: What are the benefits of improving sanitation and personal hygiene facilities in rubber factories?

A: Improving sanitation and personal hygiene facilities in rubber factories can have several benefits, including:

Reducing the risk of skin disorders: Proper sanitation and personal hygiene facilities can help prevent the spread of infections and diseases, and reduce the risk of skin disorders.
Improving worker health and safety: Improving sanitation and personal hygiene facilities can help improve worker health and safety, and reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.
Increasing productivity and welfare: Improving sanitation and personal hygiene facilities can help increase productivity and welfare among workers, and improve overall job satisfaction.

Q: What are some effective ways to improve sanitation and personal hygiene facilities in rubber factories?

A: Some effective ways to improve sanitation and personal hygiene facilities in rubber factories include:

Providing proper sanitation facilities: Providing proper sanitation facilities, such as toilets and showers, can help maintain a clean and healthy work environment.
Implementing personal hygiene practices: Implementing personal hygiene practices, such as handwashing and showering, can help prevent the spread of infections and diseases.
Providing education and training: Providing education and training on the importance of maintaining personal hygiene and preventing skin disorders can help workers understand the risks and take steps to prevent them.

Q: What are some common mistakes made by rubber factory owners and managers when it comes to sanitation and personal hygiene?

A: Some common mistakes made by rubber factory owners and managers when it comes to sanitation and personal hygiene include:

Ignoring the importance of sanitation and personal hygiene: Rubber factory owners and managers may not recognize the importance of sanitation and personal hygiene in preventing skin disorders and improving worker health and safety.
Failing to provide proper sanitation facilities: Rubber factory owners and managers may not provide proper sanitation facilities, such as toilets and showers, which can contribute to the development of skin disorders.
Not implementing personal hygiene practices: Rubber factory owners and managers may not implement personal hygiene practices, such as handwashing and showering, which can help prevent the spread of infections and diseases.

Q: What are some best practices for rubber factory owners and managers to follow when it comes to sanitation and personal hygiene?

A: Some best practices for rubber factory owners and managers to follow when it comes to sanitation and personal hygiene include:

Providing proper sanitation facilities: Rubber factory owners and managers should provide proper sanitation facilities, such as toilets and showers, to maintain a clean and healthy work environment.
Implementing personal hygiene practices: Rubber factory owners and managers should implement personal hygiene practices, such as handwashing and showering, to prevent the spread of infections and diseases.
Providing education and training: Rubber factory owners and managers should provide education and training on the importance of maintaining personal hygiene and preventing skin disorders to help workers understand the risks and take steps to prevent them.