JAKARTA | INDATANEWS.COM - Deputy Manpower Minister Afriansyah Noor has underscored the importance of implementing industrial hygiene as part of efforts to identify, assess and control various workplace hazards. The implementation is considered an important step toward creating safe and healthy workplaces while increasing the productivity of workers in Indonesia.
Afriansyah made the remarks as a speaker at the International Workshop on Industrial Hygiene, Occupational Safety and Health and the National Consultation Meeting of the Indonesian Association of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Safety (AHKKI) on Thursday, September 24, 2026, in Jakarta.
According to Afriansyah, industrial hygiene plays a strategic role in ensuring that workplace conditions do not pose risks to employees' health and safety. Systematic management of workplace hazards can also help companies create working conditions that enable employees to perform their duties optimally.
"Without good
industrial hygiene, the productivity potential of our young workforce cannot be fully optimized," Afriansyah said.
He explained that work capacity is closely linked to employees' health and competencies. Workers in good health are better able to perform their duties effectively, particularly when companies also support the development of their skills and capabilities.
Therefore, the government views improving workers' health as an important aspect of strengthening the productivity and competitiveness of Indonesia's workforce. This involves not only addressing
workplace accidents but also preventing various health risks that may arise from workplace conditions.
Industrial Hygiene Strengthens Health Protection
Afriansyah said the health conditions of workers in Indonesia continue to require attention from various stakeholders. The government, employers, workers and other stakeholders need to develop a shared understanding of the importance of a working environment that meets occupational health and safety requirements.
In this context, industrial hygiene can serve as a tool for identifying various potential workplace hazards. These include environmental factors that may affect workers' health if they are not properly controlled.
The implementation of
industrial hygiene measures also requires companies to control potential hazards before they develop into more serious risks. Through a preventive approach, companies can reduce the likelihood of health problems and work-related accidents.
According to Afriansyah, these principles must be implemented consistently and integrated into the occupational safety and health (K3) systems applied by companies. Worker protection should therefore not rely solely on measures taken after an incident, but should place greater emphasis on prevention.
STRENGTHENING HEALTH AND PRODUCTIVITY: Deputy Manpower Minister
Afriansyah Noor emphasizes the importance of
industrial hygiene in promoting the health, productivity and competitiveness of Indonesia's workforce. (PHOTO: Ministry of Manpower Press and Public Relations Office/Kemnaker)
Workplace Accidents Show Decline
On the occasion, Afriansyah also presented data from the Indonesian Workers' Social Security Agency (BPJS Ketenagakerjaan) on the development of
workplace accidents in Indonesia. According to the data, a total of 319,224
workplace accidents were recorded in 2025.
The figure was lower than the 462,241 workplace accidents recorded in 2024. A decline was also reported in the number of deaths cited in the presentation, from 49,170 workers in 2024 to 9,834 workers in 2025.
Afriansyah said the data underscore the importance of continuously implementing various
occupational safety and health programs through cooperation between the government and relevant stakeholders. The government continues to encourage companies and workers to strengthen K3 standards in the workplace.
"That is why the Ministry of Manpower continues to implement various K3 programs to reduce workplace accidents. The implementation of industrial hygiene is part of efforts to create safe and healthy workplaces," Afriansyah stressed.
He added that reducing
workplace accidents requires the involvement of all parties. The government is responsible for formulating policies, providing training and guidance, and promoting the implementation of K3. Companies, meanwhile, must ensure that employees perform their duties in an environment that meets
occupational safety and health standards.
Workers also play an important role in maintaining safety while carrying out their duties. Complying with work procedures, using personal protective equipment as required, and reporting hazardous conditions are among the measures that can help create a safer working environment.
COMMITMENT TO K3 PROGRAMS: Deputy Manpower Minister
Afriansyah Noor reaffirms the Ministry of Manpower's commitment to implementing various K3 programs aimed at reducing
workplace accidents. (PHOTO: Ministry of Manpower Press and Public Relations Office/Kemnaker)
K3 Must Become Part of Workplace Culture
Afriansyah emphasized that greater awareness of K3 cannot be achieved through occasional information sessions alone. Such awareness must become a habit and an integral part of workplace culture across various industries.
In his view, employers and workers must understand that K3 is not merely an administrative obligation. Occupational safety and health are also directly linked to maintaining business operations, protecting employees and sustaining company productivity.
A safe and healthy working environment can provide employees with the conditions they need to perform their duties more effectively. Conversely, a workplace that neglects safety and health considerations can increase the risk of accidents and health problems, ultimately affecting productivity.
Therefore, the implementation of industrial hygiene must go hand in hand with efforts to strengthen K3 systems. Companies can identify workplace hazards, assess their level of risk and subsequently implement appropriate control measures.
This approach is also consistent with the demands of a constantly changing world of work. Technological developments, changing work practices and new occupational profiles may introduce new risks that need to be continuously monitored and controlled.
The Ministry of Manpower also continues to strengthen the capacity of various stakeholders in the field of K3. Events such as the International Workshop on Industrial Hygiene, Occupational Safety and Health and the AHKKI National Consultation Meeting provide platforms for exchanging knowledge, experience and best practices in occupational safety and health.
Afriansyah expressed hope that greater understanding of
industrial hygiene would encourage more companies to consistently implement preventive measures. In this way, workers can operate in safer and healthier environments, while companies can maintain their productivity sustainably.
The government is also working to ensure that K3 awareness grows not only among large companies but also reaches various industries and groups of workers. Broad-based strengthening of K3 culture is considered important to ensure sustainable protection for workers.
Ultimately, the implementation of
industrial hygiene is not limited to controlling workplace hazards. It is also an investment in the quality of human resources, as workers' health and safety are closely linked to workforce performance, productivity and Indonesia's competitiveness.
Afriansyah emphasized that the government would continue to strengthen awareness and implementation of K3 so that workplaces across Indonesia become increasingly safe and healthy. Cooperation among the government, business sector, workers and professional organizations is an important key to building a strong occupational safety and health culture across various industries. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala