Application of POAC in Preventing Occupational Diseases with Environmental Basis in Illegal Sand Mining Activities

Abstract

Illegal sand mining activities are still a common phenomenon in various regions of Indonesia, including in Watutena Village, Nelle District, Sikka Regency. These activities are carried out without formal permits and without adequate occupational health protection mechanisms, so workers face a very high risk of environment-based occupational diseases. This study aims to describe and analyze the application of the POAC management functions (Planning, Organizing, Actuating, Controlling) in efforts to prevent environment-based occupational diseases in illegal sand mining activities in Watutena Village. This study uses a qualitative approach, with data collected through in-depth interviews with seven key informants, direct field observations, and documentation studies. The study results show that all POAC elements were not applied in a structured way, with most indicators (six out of eight) scoring zero. Three main risk factors identified included exposure to silica dust (71.4% of workers reported respiratory symptoms), manual lifting ergonomics (71.4%), and direct sun exposure (85.7%). The illegal status and lack of occupational health and safety management put these activities outside government supervision.