THE EFFECT OF OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ON ELEVATED BLOOD PRESSURE AMONG WORKERS IN A PALM OIL MILL: A CASE STUDY AT PT. X, LANGKAT REGENCY

Abstract

Occupational diseases remain a critical concern in occupational health, particularly in industrial environments with high exposure to environmental hazards. This study aimed to analyze the effect of occupational environmental factors specifically noise and vibration exposure on elevated blood pressure among workers at a palm oil mill at PT. X in Langkat Regency. An analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted, involving all 79 male production workers selected through total sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, direct blood pressure measurements, and assessments of noise and vibration exposure levels. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression at a 95% confidence level (p≤ 0.05). The findings revealed that 50.6% of workers had hypertension, and 83.5% were exposed to noise levels exceeding the permissible threshold (>85 dB). A statistically significant association was found between noise exposure and hypertension (p=0.013; OR=7.090; 95% CI:1.435–35.033), indicating that high noise exposure increased the risk of elevated blood pressure by sevenfold. Conversely, vibration exposure was not significantly associated with hypertension (p=0.179), likely due to the fact that 86.1% of workers were exposed to vibration levels within safe limits (<0.8661 m/s²). These results underscore noise as a modifiable risk factor for hypertension, necessitating immediate preventive action. Recommendations include the implementation of engineering controls, provision of personal protective equipment, routine noise monitoring, and strict adherence to national occupational health regulations. Controlling noise exposure in palm oil processing facilities is essential to protect cardiovascular health and enhance worker productivity.