Luhur Hertanto, Jakarta – There is cause for concern. The level of work-related incidents in Indonesia appears to still be high. Data from the state insurance company PT Jamsostek notes that between 2004-2005 there were 95,418 work-related accidents. Of this total, 1,336 were fatal.

The Jamsostek data was quoted by the Minister for Labour and Transmigration Erman Suparno in greetings at the opening of the Work Safety and Health Month (K3) at the Vice Presidential Palace on Jalan Medan Merdeka Selatan in Jakarta on Thursday January 12.

The greetings were read out by the secretary general of the Department for Labour and Transmigration Hari Hariawan because Suparno was in Bukit Tinggi, West Sumatra where he was participating in an informal meeting between President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi.

Based on Jamsostek’s data, the accidents occurred in 6,114 cities. Aside from those that died, work-related accidents also resulted in 2,932 people being partially incapacitated and 60 totally incapacitated.

Because of this therefore, the department will continue to promote the K3 campaign. “The percentage and frequency [of accidents] has declined compared to the previous period, but the figure is still high. Socialisation of K3 will be carried out continuously in order to increase public awareness”, Suparno said in the greetings read by Hariawan.

The opportunity was also used to present awards to companies that have consistently implemented K3. Awards for the category of zero accidents were given to 213 companies and K3 management system certificates given to 117 companies. Awards were also given to local governments that have successfully setup K3 programs in their regions. There were 20 out of 110 regencies/cities that received the award. (iy)

[Translated by James Balowski.]