Occupational Heat Exposure and Dehydration Prevention Practices in a Sugar Manufacturing Facility: A Qualitative Assessment in Lampung, Indonesia

Abstract

Occupational heat exposure represents an important health and safety concern in the sugar manufacturing industry, where workers may experience prolonged exposure to heat generated by boilers, evaporation processes, and production machinery. Excessive heat exposure, particularly when combined with physical workload and inadequate fluid replacement, may increase the risk of dehydration and heat-related illness. This study aimed to assess occupational heat exposure conditions, existing workplace control measures, and dehydration prevention practices at a sugar manufacturing facility in Lampung, Indonesia. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed using workplace observations, field surveys, interviews with workers and company representatives, and a review of available occupational health and safety information. The assessment focused on production and boiler areas, perceived heat exposure, worker-reported symptoms, ventilation systems, personal protective equipment, drinking water availability, rest arrangements, and occupational health services. The findings were analyzed descriptively to identify existing preventive measures and potential gaps in workplace heat-stress management. The production and boiler areas were identified as workplaces with substantial potential for heat exposure due to continuous operation of processing equipment and heat-generating machinery. The facility employed approximately 485 workers and operated through three daily shifts. Workers reported experiencing hot working conditions, thirst, excessive sweating, fatigue, and dizziness during work activities. Existing occupational health measures included ventilation systems, cooling fans, personal protective equipment, access to drinking water, designated rest areas, workplace safety procedures, periodic medical examinations, and a company health clinic with 24-hour medical personnel. However, objective Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) measurements and a specific worker hydration monitoring program were not documented. Consequently, the magnitude of occupational heat exposure and the prevalence of dehydration could not be established. The findings identify potential occupational heat hazards and highlight the importance of strengthening heat-specific preventive practices within an existing occupational health and safety system. Although general workplace safety and healthcare facilities were available, systematic heat exposure assessment, worker hydration monitoring, targeted education, and exposure-appropriate work–rest arrangements require further attention. Integrating these measures into occupational health management may support more comprehensive heat-stress prevention in sugar manufacturing facilities. Further quantitative investigations are necessary to evaluate environmental heat exposure, hydration status, and the effectiveness of preventive interventions.