Work-Related Accidents in Indonesia Increase, Reaching a Record High in 2021

According to a report by the Indonesian Ministry of Manpower (Kemnaker), the number of workplace accidents in Indonesia has been increasing in recent years.

Based on Minister of Manpower Regulation Number 26 of 2015, a workplace accident is an accident that occurs in the context of employment, including accidents during commutes to and from work, as well as occupational diseases (PAK).

Occupational diseases (PAK) are illnesses caused by work activities and/or the work environment. There are five categories of causes for PAK:

1. Physical factors: Extreme temperatures, noise, lighting, air pressure, etc.
2. Chemical factors: Chemical substances in the form of dust, vapor, gas, solutions, etc.
3. Biological factors: Bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc.
4. Ergonomic factors: Lifting heavy objects, awkward working positions, static working positions, repetitive movements, etc.
5. Psychosocial factors: Excessive workload, monotonous work, stress from interpersonal relationships in the workplace, work location, etc.

In 2005, approximately 99,000 Indonesian workers experienced workplace accidents or occupational diseases. The number of victims has increased in subsequent years, reaching a record high of 234,000 in 2021.

During the 2019-2021 period, the majority (64.4%) of accidents occurred at the workplace, 27% occurred in traffic, 8.2% outside the workplace, and 0.3% in other locations.

Throughout 2019-2021, the highest number of workplace accidents were recorded in the diverse industrial sector (22.3%); trade and services (21.4%); agriculture, fisheries, plantations, and forestry (17.3%); consumer goods industry (15.5%); and basic and chemical industries (12.1%).

Kemnaker states that these figures do not fully represent the national situation. This means that many workplace accident victims may not be recorded.

"Routine reporting of cases from companies and from provincial manpower agencies to the central government (Directorate General of Industrial Relations and Occupational Safety and Health, Kemnaker RI) has not been optimal," Kemnaker stated in its 2022 report on the Profile of Occupational Safety and Health in Indonesia.

"Workplace accidents and PAK cases are actually reported much more frequently in the context of claims for the Workplace Accident Insurance (JKK) program of BPJS Employment. However, BPJS Employment program participants only reach 30.6 million workers, out of a total of 126.51 million workers in Indonesia (2019)," it continued.

In response to the continuously increasing number of workplace accident victims, Kemnaker encourages companies to invest in Occupational Safety and Health (K3).

"Investments made in implementing K3 will provide a return on investment (ROI) in both the short and long term, increase business competitiveness, and ensure business sustainability," said Kemnaker.

"Good implementation of K3 is an important factor in preventing losses and increasing social and economic benefits for workers, employers, the government, the community, the nation, and the country as a whole," it continued.