Determinants of Unsafe Work Behavior among Outsourced Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study at a PT Madubaru Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Abstract

Unsafe work behaviors remain a major contributor to occupational accidents in high-risk industrial settings, particularly among outsourced workers who often face limited safety training and weaker organizational attachment. The sugar manufacturing industry involves complex mechanical processes that increase the potential for unsafe actions during daily operations. This study aimed to analyze factors associated with unsafe work behaviors among outsourced workers at a sugar manufacturing facility in Indonesia.

This study employed an analytical survey with a cross-sectional design. The research was conducted at the milling station of a sugar manufacturing facility in Yogyakarta. The study population consisted of outsourced workers directly involved in the production process, and all eligible workers were included using a total sampling technique. Data were collected using structured questionnaires that measured attitudes toward safety, work competence, effectiveness of safety procedures, personal protective equipment policies, and unsafe work behaviors. Data were analyzed using univariate, bivariate, and multivariate statistical analyses.

The results show that unsafe work behaviors are present among a considerable proportion of outsourced workers. Attitudes toward safety, work competence, effectiveness of safety procedures, and personal protective equipment policies are significantly associated with unsafe work behaviors. Workers with poor work competence show the highest prevalence of unsafe behaviors compared to those with adequate competence.

In conclusion, unsafe work behaviors among outsourced workers are influenced by both individual and organizational factors. Strengthening worker competence, improving safety attitudes, ensuring effective safety procedures, and enforcing personal protective equipment policies are essential to reduce unsafe behaviors and enhance occupational safety in high-risk industrial environments.