Injury Risk and Stress in Agricultural Workers: An Age Perspective and Implications for Indonesia

The research conducted by Beseler and Rautiainen (2023) on the relationship between age and injuries, musculoskeletal symptoms, and stress in agricultural operators in the United States is an important and relevant study to the labor conditions in Indonesia. This study found that agricultural operators in the United States experienced an increased risk of injury, musculoskeletal symptoms, and stress as they age.

Agricultural workers in Indonesia also face a high risk of injury due to heavy and hazardous work (Akbar et al., 2023). In addition, they often experience musculoskeletal symptoms due to awkward working positions and the use of poorly designed heavy agricultural equipment (Das, 2023). Stress from high job demands and low income is experienced by agricultural workers.

Based on data from Ministry of Manpower of the Republic of Indonesia (2022), the number of work accidents in the agricultural sector in Indonesia reached 11,818 cases which is 14.5% of the total work accidents in Indonesia. Work accidents in the agricultural sector often occur due to heavy and dangerous work, such as the use of heavy agricultural equipment, working at heights, and exposure to hazardous chemicals.

To understand the global burden of occupational disease, this research design could be expanded to include agricultural workers from other countries, including Indonesia. Then it would be possible to understand a more comprehensive picture of the problem of injuries, musculoskeletal symptoms, and stress in agricultural workers worldwide. Research can be conducted to assess factors that contribute to the increased risk of injury, musculoskeletal symptoms, and stress in agricultural workers as they age. This will help in the development of strategies to prevent and mitigate these problems.

In many countries, including Indonesia, there are no protective regulations for agricultural workers. The government needs to implement strict regulations to protect agricultural workers from injuries. Such regulations should include work safety requirements, such as the use of personal protective equipment, the safe use of agricultural tools, and the implementation of safe work procedures. Second, employers need to provide training and education on work safety to agricultural workers. This training should include how to use personal protective equipment, how to use agricultural tools safely, and how to work safely. Third, trade unions need to play an active role in protecting the rights and safety of agricultural workers. Trade unions can advocate for improved working conditions and increased work safety in the agricultural sector.

Overall, the study conducted by Beseler and Rautiainen (2023) provides valuable insights into the relationship between age and injuries, musculoskeletal symptoms, and stress among farm operators. The findings of this study can be used to develop preventive interventions and improve agricultural workplace design.