The Relationship Between Individual Characteristics and the Use of Personal Protective Equipment with the Incidence of Contact Dermatitis in Paving Block CV Workers
Introduction
Contact dermatitis is a common occupational disease that affects millions of workers worldwide. It is caused by exposure to chemicals, heat, and mechanical factors such as friction, pressure, and trauma. One of the chemicals that pose a significant risk of contact dermatitis is chromate, which is commonly found in cement. Workers in the paving block industry are particularly at risk of exposure to cement and, subsequently, contact dermatitis. This study aims to investigate the relationship between individual characteristics, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and the incidence of contact dermatitis in paving block workers in CV. F Lhoksumawe.
Background
Contact dermatitis is a type of skin inflammation that occurs when the skin comes into contact with an allergen or irritant. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including exposure to chemicals, heat, and mechanical stress. In the paving block industry, workers are exposed to cement, which contains chromate, a known allergen that can cause contact dermatitis. The use of PPE is a crucial step in preventing contact dermatitis, but it is not the only factor that contributes to the incidence of this disease.
Methodology
This study involved all workers in CV. F Lhoksumawe, a total of 29 people, as a population and sample. Data were collected through interviews, observation, and examination by a dermatologist. The data were analyzed using the Chi-Square test and multiple regression tests with a 95% confidence level (α = 0.05).
Results
The results of this study showed that 37.9% of workers in CV. F Lhoksumawe suffered from contact dermatitis. The Chi-Square test revealed a significant relationship between work period (p = 0.018), knowledge (p = 0.047), and the use of APD (p = 0.001) with the incidence of contact dermatitis. However, worker's age (p = 0.350) did not show a significant relationship with the incidence of contact dermatitis.
Multiple regression test showed that the use of PPE (p = 0.001) was the most dominant variable associated with the incidence of contact dermatitis, with the highest beta value (β) (β = 0.599). This indicates that the use of PPE has a strong influence on the risk of contact dermatitis.
Discussion
The results of this study highlight the importance of PPE in preventing contact dermatitis. The use of PPE is a crucial step in protecting workers from exposure to chemicals, heat, and mechanical stress. However, the results also suggest that other factors, such as work period and knowledge, play a significant role in the incidence of contact dermatitis.
The study's findings have several implications for the paving block industry. Firstly, it is essential to ensure that workers have access to complete and sufficient PPE. This includes providing workers with the necessary equipment and ensuring that they use it correctly. Secondly, it is crucial to increase discipline supervision of PPE use to ensure that workers adhere to safety protocols. Thirdly, it is essential to increase workers' knowledge about the risk of contact dermatitis and the importance of using PPE. Finally, it is recommended to consider rotating workers to parts that are not at risk of contact with contact dermatitis and to perform regular health checks to detect early symptoms of contact dermatitis.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of PPE in preventing contact dermatitis in paving block workers. The results of this study suggest that the use of PPE is a crucial step in protecting workers from exposure to chemicals, heat, and mechanical stress. However, other factors, such as work period and knowledge, also play a significant role in the incidence of contact dermatitis. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that workers have access to complete and sufficient PPE, increase discipline supervision of PPE use, increase workers' knowledge about the risk of contact dermatitis, consider rotating workers, and perform regular health checks.
Recommendations
Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:
*** Complete and sufficient provision of PPE: ** Make sure the availability of appropriate PPE and the amount is sufficient for all workers.
*** Increasing Discipline Supervision Use of PPE: ** Strengthen supervision to ensure disciplined workers in using PPE during work.
*** Increased knowledge about the risk of contact dermatitis: ** Increasing workers' understanding of the risk of exposure to raw materials of paving blocks, especially against contact dermatitis.
*** Consider the rotation of workers: ** Perform worker rotation to parts that are not at risk of contact with contact dermatitis.
*** Periodic health examination: ** Perform regular health checks to detect early contact dermatitis symptoms.
Limitations
This study has several limitations. Firstly, the sample size was small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Secondly, the study only investigated the relationship between individual characteristics, PPE use, and the incidence of contact dermatitis in paving block workers in CV. F Lhoksumawe. Therefore, further studies are needed to investigate the relationship between these variables in other industries and populations.
Future Research Directions
Future research should focus on investigating the relationship between individual characteristics, PPE use, and the incidence of contact dermatitis in other industries and populations. Additionally, further studies should investigate the effectiveness of PPE in preventing contact dermatitis and the impact of PPE use on worker health and well-being.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of PPE in preventing contact dermatitis in paving block workers. The results of this study suggest that the use of PPE is a crucial step in protecting workers from exposure to chemicals, heat, and mechanical stress. However, other factors, such as work period and knowledge, also play a significant role in the incidence of contact dermatitis. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that workers have access to complete and sufficient PPE, increase discipline supervision of PPE use, increase workers' knowledge about the risk of contact dermatitis, consider rotating workers, and perform regular health checks.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Contact Dermatitis and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Q: What is contact dermatitis?
A: Contact dermatitis is a type of skin inflammation that occurs when the skin comes into contact with an allergen or irritant. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including exposure to chemicals, heat, and mechanical stress.
Q: What are the common causes of contact dermatitis in the paving block industry?
A: The common causes of contact dermatitis in the paving block industry include exposure to cement, which contains chromate, a known allergen that can cause contact dermatitis.
Q: What is the role of personal protective equipment (PPE) in preventing contact dermatitis?
A: The use of PPE is a crucial step in preventing contact dermatitis. PPE can help protect workers from exposure to chemicals, heat, and mechanical stress, which can cause contact dermatitis.
Q: What types of PPE are recommended for workers in the paving block industry?
A: The types of PPE recommended for workers in the paving block industry include gloves, safety glasses, and a face mask. These types of PPE can help protect workers from exposure to cement and other chemicals that can cause contact dermatitis.
Q: How often should workers in the paving block industry use PPE?
A: Workers in the paving block industry should use PPE at all times when working with cement or other chemicals that can cause contact dermatitis. This includes during mixing, pouring, and finishing processes.
Q: What are the benefits of using PPE in the paving block industry?
A: The benefits of using PPE in the paving block industry include reducing the risk of contact dermatitis, protecting workers from exposure to chemicals and heat, and improving worker health and well-being.
Q: What are the consequences of not using PPE in the paving block industry?
A: The consequences of not using PPE in the paving block industry include increased risk of contact dermatitis, exposure to chemicals and heat, and decreased worker health and well-being.
Q: How can workers in the paving block industry prevent contact dermatitis?
A: Workers in the paving block industry can prevent contact dermatitis by using PPE, following safety protocols, and taking regular breaks to avoid exposure to chemicals and heat.
Q: What should employers in the paving block industry do to prevent contact dermatitis?
A: Employers in the paving block industry should provide workers with access to complete and sufficient PPE, increase discipline supervision of PPE use, increase workers' knowledge about the risk of contact dermatitis, consider rotating workers, and perform regular health checks.
Q: What are the long-term effects of contact dermatitis?
A: The long-term effects of contact dermatitis can include chronic skin inflammation, scarring, and decreased quality of life.
Q: Can contact dermatitis be treated?
A: Yes, contact dermatitis can be treated with topical creams and ointments, oral medications, and in severe cases, hospitalization.
Q: How can workers in the paving block industry report cases of contact dermatitis?
A: Workers in the paving block industry can report cases of contact dermatitis to their supervisor or HR department. Employers should have a system in place for reporting and investigating cases of contact dermatitis.
Q: What are the laws and regulations regarding contact dermatitis in the paving block industry?
A: The laws and regulations regarding contact dermatitis in the paving block industry vary by country and state. Employers should be aware of the laws and regulations in their area and ensure that they are complying with them.
Q: What are the best practices for preventing contact dermatitis in the paving block industry?
A: The best practices for preventing contact dermatitis in the paving block industry include providing workers with access to complete and sufficient PPE, increasing discipline supervision of PPE use, increasing workers' knowledge about the risk of contact dermatitis, considering rotating workers, and performing regular health checks.