Hazard Risks for Batik Artisans in Home-Based Industries in Bantul

Abstract

Background. As the batik industry in Bantul continues to grow, most people use their homes as both living spaces and places of batik production. It is not unlikely that the expansion of the home-based batik industry could lead to health problems for the artisans. Factors that may contribute to these health issues include the physical environmental conditions of the home, the batik production process which uses chemical materials, and the waste generated. Batik is a method of applying patterns onto fabric through a dipping process, using a resist-dyeing technique, with wax as the intermediary medium.

Objective. This study aims to determine the environmental conditions of the batik industry and to identify health complaints related to the batik production process.

Method. The research was conducted through observation and interviews in November 2023 at four home-based batik industries in the Bantul region. Interviews were conducted with one person from management and six batik artisans from each home industry, making a total of 28 respondents. Observations were carried out by visiting the batik production sites using an observation guide that had been prepared in advance.

Result. The observation results revealed that one of the four locations had a cramped workspace, where workers were somewhat inconvenienced by the limited space, needing to move items or tools when using others. In contrast, at other locations, the batik workspace was outdoors with a zinc roof, and the artisans reported that after 11 AM, the heat became intense, causing them to sweat and feel uncomfortable while working. During work, employees involved in cap batik worked while standing, while the batik tulis (handwritten batik) workers performed their tasks while sitting. The workers reported that common health issues included being splashed with wax or malam. Additional data revealed that 17 artisans occasionally experienced shortness of breath while working due to inhaling the fumes from the wax/malam.

Conclusion. The results of this study indicate several health problems experienced by batik artisans, including burns and respiratory issues. Preventive efforts are necessary from both management and the batik artisans themselves to reduce these risks by implementing the five levels of disease prevention.