Penilaian Lingkungan Kerja Panas dan Risiko Terjadinya Heat Stress pada Pekerja Usaha Tahu Sky di Kecamatan Rambutan Tahun 2024

Abstract

Assessment of hot work environments is crucial in the tofu industry, as excessive heat can lead to workers experiencing heat stress symptoms. This study aims to determine the hot work environment and describe the risk of heat stress among workers at the Sky Tofu enterprise in Rambutan Subdistrict, Tebing Tinggi City, North Sumatra. The research method employed is descriptive, with the population of all workers (7 individuals) at the Sky Tofu enterprise. Data collection for work environment assessment was conducted through measurements of workplace temperature using a Heat Stress Apparatus Quest Temp 36. Heat stress risk data were obtained by measuring body temperature using a Digital Infrared Thermometer and conducting interviews about heat stress symptoms based on guidelines from the Health and Safety Executive. The results indicate that the temperature in the production areas, specifically the boiling area (30.8°C) and frying area (31.2°C), exceeds the Threshold Limit Value set by the Ministry of Manpower Regulation No. 5 of 2018. Workers in the boiling and frying areas experienced an increase in body temperature above the safe limit (38°C), accompanied by heat stress symptoms such as muscle cramps, dehydration, heat rash, and heat exhaustion. The molding area showed a lower risk but was still affected by heat from adjacent areas. This study provides recommendations for the Sky tofu business owner and workers to mitigate heat exposure risks. These include optimizing work equipment technology, managing workspace layout, scheduling worker breaks, and ensuring sufficient water intake.