Indonesian main OHS Act

Just wanna put this to answer some of my friends' queries regarding the key provisions of the Indonesian main Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act No. 1 of 1970), of which an employer and an employee in Indonesia should be aware.

There are 11 Chapters and 18 Articles in the Act. Because practical provisions are supposed to be detailed in the related regulations, it only states the essential concepts. In general, the main key provisions in the Chapters are: Safety Conditions, Supervision, Guidance, Safety and Health Committee, Accident and Obligations of Manager.

a. Safety Conditions

It is prescribed in this Chapter that regulations be promulgated to ensure: prevention of accidents; prevention and extinguishing of fires and explosions; means of escape from fire or other dangers; provision of first-aid; provision of protective equipment; maintenance of the general working environment (temperature, humidity, dust, vapour, gas, rays or radiance, sound etc); suitable illumination; proper ventilation; maintenance of cleanliness, health and good order; safeguarding and facilitating the transportation of human, animals, plants or goods; safe loading, unloading, handling and storage of goods; prevention of electric shock and safety measures

b. Supervision

The Minister of Manpower appoints Safety Inspectors and Safety Experts to supervise observance of the Act and to give support in its implementation.

One of the most important provisions in the Act (article 8), prescribes the obligations of the Manager, which is any person charged with direct management of a workplace. The manager shall be responsible for examination of the workers' health, mental condition and physical ability in regard to the kind of work to be performed and for their periodic physical examination.

c. Guidance

This part is related to workers' education and training. A manager shall explain and demonstrate to workers in the workplace: the situations and dangers which may arise, safety devices and protective equipment, personal protective equipment, and safety system.

d. Safety and Health Committee

The Minister of Manpower has the authority to create Safety and Health Committees to increase collaboration, mutual aid and effective involvement between employers and employees in the field of safety and health and for improving production.

e. Accident and Obligations of Manager

These chapters prescribe that a Manager should report every accident happening in a workplace to the investigation office. A manager is required to place written notices which are visible and clear, demonstrate compulsory safety posters and other guidance information, and provide employees with the necessary personal protective equipment.

Reviewed from: Undang Undang Republik Indonesia No. 1 Tahun1970 tentang Keselamatan Kerja