Evaluation of Occupational Safety and Health Implementation in Lapen Road Reconstruction Projects in Kupang City

Abstract

Road reconstruction using a macadam penetration layer (Lapen) involves workers, aggregates, binding materials, heavy equipment, haul vehicles, and activities adjacent to live traffic, all of which create occupational hazards. This study evaluates the implementation of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) in four government Lapen road reconstruction work packages in Kupang City: Alak District; RT 25/RW 12, NBD Urban Village; Maulafa District; and the areas of Oebobo, Kelapa Lima, Kota Raja, and Kota Lama. A descriptive-evaluative method with a quantitative approach was applied through field observations, checklist assessment, documentation, and interviews. Verifiable conditions were scored 1 when fulfilled and 0 when not fulfilled, and the implementation level was calculated as a percentage of the maximum checklist score. Field observations found no personal protective equipment (PPE) in use and no other observable safety facilities at the assessed sites. Overall OSH implementation scores ranged from 4% to 6%, with an average of 5%, indicating a very low level of implementation. The main deficiencies concerned PPE, hazard control, work-zone protection, traffic management, first-aid facilities, safety communication, and supervision. The findings demonstrate the need for immediate improvement through the provision and enforcement of PPE, safety signs and barricades, traffic control, first-aid facilities, pre-work safety briefings, and routine safety inspections.