Description of Dust Levels and Symptoms of Respiratory System Disorders in Underpass Workers Brigadier General Katamso Medan City in 2018

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 47 views

Description of Dust Levels and Symptoms of Respiratory System Disorders in Underpass Workers Brigadier General Katamso Medan City in 2018

Introduction

In the work environment, one of the potential dangers is chemical factors, and dust is one of the most common and dangerous chemical factors. Dust consists of solid particles produced by various activities such as processing, destruction, and blasting that can occur both in organic and inorganic objects. Exposure to dust can cause various disorders of the respiratory system, which is the main concern in this study. The respiratory system is a vital part of the human body, responsible for bringing oxygen into the body and removing carbon dioxide. However, when exposed to dust, it can cause inflammation and damage to the lungs, leading to respiratory disorders.

Background of the Study

This study aims to provide an overview of the levels of dust and symptoms of the respiratory system disorders experienced by workers in the Brigadier General Katamso underpass project in Medan in 2018. The study is descriptive with a survey approach, involving 50 workers as populations. The sampling method used was a total population, where all workers were involved in the study. Data was collected through a questionnaire that was filled in after the interview directly with the respondent and measurement of dust content using a low volume of water sampler.

Methodology

The study used a descriptive research design with a survey approach. The population of the study consisted of 50 workers involved in the Brigadier General Katamso underpass project in Medan in 2018. The sampling method used was a total population, where all workers were involved in the study. Data was collected through a questionnaire that was filled in after the interview directly with the respondent and measurement of dust content using a low volume of water sampler.

Results

From the results of the study, the measured dust content is within the range of 0.3150 to 1,5305 mg/m³, while the specified threshold value is 3.9 mg/m³. This shows that the dust content at the Brigadier General Katamso underpass construction site still meets the specified requirements. However, even though the dust content is within a safe limit, there are some respondents who experience symptoms of respiratory system disorders. In this study, it was noted that 37 people (74%) of respondents did not experience symptoms of respiratory disorders, while 13 people (26%) showed these symptoms.

Discussion

This finding shows that although dust content is within safe limits, prevention efforts are still needed to maintain the health of workers. The study highlights the importance of awareness of occupational health, especially in areas that have the potential to be exposed to dust. With proper prevention steps, it is hoped that the health conditions of workers can be maintained, and the risk of respiratory disorders can be minimized.

Conclusion

Maintaining a safe and healthy work environment is a shared responsibility between the company and workers to create optimal productivity. The study recommends that PT. Hutama Karya through the K3 Team provide N95 masks for all workers and require their use. In addition, it is important for workers to consistently use the mask during work and reduce smoking behavior, which can worsen respiratory conditions.

Recommendations

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

PT. Hutama Karya through the K3 Team should provide N95 masks for all workers and require their use.
Workers should consistently use the mask during work and reduce smoking behavior, which can worsen respiratory conditions.
Awareness of occupational health must be improved, especially in areas that have the potential to be exposed to dust.
Proper prevention steps should be taken to maintain the health of workers and minimize the risk of respiratory disorders.

Limitations of the Study

The study has several limitations, including:

The study was conducted in a specific location, and the findings may not be generalizable to other locations.
The study only involved 50 workers, which may not be representative of the entire population.
The study did not control for other factors that may affect the health of workers, such as age, sex, and occupation.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on:

Conducting a larger-scale study to generalize the findings to other locations.
Controlling for other factors that may affect the health of workers, such as age, sex, and occupation.
Investigating the effectiveness of prevention measures, such as the use of N95 masks and smoking cessation programs.

References

[List of references cited in the study]

Appendix

[Appendix materials, such as additional tables and figures, that support the findings of the study]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Dust Levels and Symptoms of Respiratory System Disorders in Underpass Workers Brigadier General Katamso Medan City in 2018

Q: What is dust, and how can it affect the respiratory system?

A: Dust is a mixture of solid particles produced by various activities such as processing, destruction, and blasting that can occur both in organic and inorganic objects. Exposure to dust can cause various disorders of the respiratory system, including inflammation and damage to the lungs.

Q: What are the symptoms of respiratory system disorders caused by dust?

A: The symptoms of respiratory system disorders caused by dust can include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. In severe cases, dust exposure can lead to chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Q: What is the recommended threshold value for dust content in the workplace?

A: The recommended threshold value for dust content in the workplace is 3.9 mg/m³. However, the study found that the measured dust content at the Brigadier General Katamso underpass construction site was within the range of 0.3150 to 1,5305 mg/m³, which is below the recommended threshold value.

Q: What are the prevention measures recommended to minimize the risk of respiratory disorders caused by dust?

A: The study recommends that workers consistently use N95 masks during work and reduce smoking behavior, which can worsen respiratory conditions. Additionally, awareness of occupational health must be improved, especially in areas that have the potential to be exposed to dust.

Q: What is the role of PT. Hutama Karya in preventing respiratory disorders caused by dust?

A: PT. Hutama Karya, through the K3 Team, is responsible for providing a safe and healthy work environment for its workers. This includes providing N95 masks for all workers and requiring their use, as well as promoting awareness of occupational health and providing training on dust prevention and control measures.

Q: What are the limitations of the study?

A: The study has several limitations, including:

The study was conducted in a specific location, and the findings may not be generalizable to other locations.
The study only involved 50 workers, which may not be representative of the entire population.
The study did not control for other factors that may affect the health of workers, such as age, sex, and occupation.

Q: What are the future research directions?

A: Future research should focus on:

Conducting a larger-scale study to generalize the findings to other locations.
Controlling for other factors that may affect the health of workers, such as age, sex, and occupation.
Investigating the effectiveness of prevention measures, such as the use of N95 masks and smoking cessation programs.

Q: What are the implications of the study for workers and employers?

A: The study highlights the importance of awareness of occupational health, especially in areas that have the potential to be exposed to dust. Workers and employers must work together to create a safe and healthy work environment, and to prevent respiratory disorders caused by dust.

Q: What are the recommendations for workers and employers?

A: The study recommends that workers consistently use N95 masks during work and reduce smoking behavior, which can worsen respiratory conditions. Employers should provide a safe and healthy work environment, including providing N95 masks for all workers and requiring their use, as well as promoting awareness of occupational health and providing training on dust prevention and control measures.