“I am responsible”: Perceptions of employees on health and safety program implementation in small and medium sized businesses in Indonesia

Background: Prior research conducted in the small bag manufacturing sector in Indonesia reported that occupational injuries occurred almost every month, with some workers reporting severe injuries that led to their fingers being amputated. Another study mentioned that the food manufacturing sectors tend to be more focused on improving their production activities than on paying attention to protecting their workers. Despite these conditions, employees are commonly seen by the owners as being responsible for their own safety at the workplace. Additionally, research examining how employees perceive occupational safety and health (OSH) and the current OSH programming available in SMB food and bag manufacturing in Indonesia is still limited. Objective: This study aims to identify the perceptions among SMBs employees on OSH implementation in small and medium sized food and bag manufacturing businesses in Indonesia. Methods: This qualitative study utilized in-depth interviews with employees of small and medium sized food and bag manufacturing businesses located in Bogor City, West Java Province. Results: Occupational injuries happened to employees in almost all the businesses participated in the study. However, almost all the employees are not covered by insurance and accounted themselves to be responsible for both the injuries and to have the insurance. The employees often have casual or ‘family-like’ relationships with the business owners. Conclusions: The ‘family-like’ relationship between business owners and employees in small and medium sized businesses can contribute to employees taking the responsibility for injuries that occur to themselves or their colleagues.