20 UI students participated in a short course organized by Inje University, South Korea. Students from the Occupational Health and Safety Undergraduate Study Program, Faculty of Public Health UI, gained knowledge in Global Occupational Safety and Health. It was held on January 15–27 and accompanied by the Head of the Department and Study Program, Mila Tejamaya S.Si., MOHS, Ph.D.
According to Mila, this program is a return visit to a visit made by 20 Inje University students on August 8–22, 2023. They participated in the UI Credit Earning Program at the Faculty of Public Health UI. While participating in this program, Inje University students studied regulations regarding health and safety in Indonesia, occupational health, occupational safety, industrial hygiene, ergonomics, and human factors.
“Besides, Inje University students are also given the opportunity to learn Indonesian language, cook Indonesian food, and visit Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Indonesia, Monas, and Bogor Botanical Gardens. I hope UI students can gain a similar experience through short courses at Inje University, broaden their horizons, and gain experience regarding OHS culture in South Korea,” said Mila.
Moreover, UI students can visit the Korean Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA) and ULSAN Safety Experience (ULSAN Safer). KOSHA is an organization in South Korea to ensure the health and safety of workers. At the same time, ULSANSafer is a safety training center for workers and the wider community, including young children.
At KOSHA, UI students receive technical-related learning in OHS, including intensive accident management and worker health protection. They also study OHS education, promotion and testing, digital strategy, and social responsibility management.
UI students also received exposure to three types of accidents and eight risk factors identified as the biggest causes of fatalities in South Korea. These accidents include falls from heights (scaffolding, roofs, ladders, aerial work platforms), being trapped in/between (protective devices, LOTO/lock-out, tag-out), and getting hit (mixed work and collision avoidance devices). Therefore, research, technical support, education, and financial support are prioritized for risky work.
During their visit to ULSANSafer, the students witnessed training facilities and safety simulations for transportation, ships, fire, earthquakes, chemicals, and nuclear. They gain experience of being involved in accidents, learn how to use safety equipment, how to save themselves during a disaster, and how to provide first aid in accidents. UI students also participated in simulations of falls from heights, emergencies on the subway, saving themselves from sinking boats, and other simulation activities.
Cindy, one of the Faculty of Public Health UI students, was enthusiastic about her experience. She said, “When I joined this program, I was glad to gain new experience and knowledge regarding OHS science applied in South Korea. We hope institutions similar to KOSHA and ULSANSafer in Indonesia can be developed to increase awareness regarding OHS.”
