STRATEGI PENCEGAHAN DAN PENGENDALIAN PAPARAN BENZENA DI TEMPAT KERJA

Abstract

Exposure to benzene in the workplace poses a serious threat to workers' health because it is carcinogenic and toxic to the hematopoietic system. Benzene can enter the body through inhalation, skin contact and accidental consumption, causing various health problems ranging from aplastic anemia to leukemia. This research uses a literature review method of various scientific sources from 2020–2024 to identify strategies for preventing and controlling benzene exposure in the work environment. The study results show that exposure to benzene often occurs in the printing, oil and gas and laboratory industries, and is influenced by behavioral factors such as smoking habits and use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Effective control strategies include elimination, substitution, technical engineering such as ventilation and closed systems, administrative control, and the use of PPE according to standards. It is necessary to implement a risk management system and Health Risk Assessment (HRA) for comprehensive worker protection. This research emphasizes the importance of collaboration between workers, management and policy makers in creating a work environment that is safe from benzene exposure.

Paparan benzena di tempat kerja menjadi ancaman serius terhadap kesehatan pekerja karena sifatnya yang karsinogenik dan toksik terhadap sistem hematopoietik. Benzena dapat masuk ke tubuh melalui inhalasi, kontak kulit, dan konsumsi tidak sengaja, menyebabkan berbagai gangguan kesehatan mulai dari anemia aplastik hingga leukemia. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kajian literatur terhadap berbagai sumber ilmiah dari tahun 2020–2024 untuk mengidentifikasi strategi pencegahan dan pengendalian paparan benzena di lingkungan kerja. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahwa paparan benzena banyak terjadi di industri percetakan, migas, dan laboratorium, serta dipengaruhi oleh faktor perilaku seperti kebiasaan merokok dan penggunaan alat pelindung diri (APD). Strategi pengendalian efektif meliputi eliminasi, substitusi, rekayasa teknis seperti ventilasi dan sistem tertutup, pengendalian administratif, serta penggunaan APD sesuai standar. Diperlukan penerapan sistem manajemen risiko dan Health Risk Assessment (HRA) untuk perlindungan pekerja secara menyeluruh. Penelitian ini menekankan pentingnya kolaborasi antara pekerja, manajemen, dan pembuat kebijakan dalam menciptakan lingkungan kerja yang aman dari paparan benzena.