"Be Careful!”: Justification of work safety culture for elderly siwalan farmers

¹ Department of Economics, University of Trunojoyo Madura, Jln Raya Kamal PO BOX 2 Bangkalan, Indonesia
² Department of Industrial Engineering, University of PGRI Adibuana Surabaya, Jln Raya Dukuh Menanggal 12 Surabaya, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: anita.kristina@trunojoyo.ac.id

Abstract

Many farmers, including Siwalan farmers, are over 50 years old. They climb Siwalan trees, which can reach a height of 15-30 meters, using simple tools. Despite the high risk of injury, they continue to make this work their main job. The research employs a qualitative approach using ethnomethodology methods. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with 10 Siwalan Farmers in Aeng Panas Village, Madura, Indonesia, who are aged between 50 and 65 years. The conceptual framework of work safety culture is used to describe and explain how work safety culture can be identified through the work habits of older farmers. Two key points emerged from the findings: 1) The appreciation of safety values is fostered through strong interactions between farmers and their wives/families, which are characterized by trust, experience, and hope. This interaction cultivates a caring attitude that motivates individuals to prioritize safety and avoid work accidents. Common expressions such as "Be careful!" strengthen the mindset of old farmers. 2). Efforts to recognize and reduce dangers are carried out through work habits that only use simple tools, but they have a strong belief that whatever happens is God's destiny. The findings of this research have contributed to the fact that the construction of work safety culture is oriented towards humanistic rationality, namely awareness that arises from the word "Be careful!". The tradition of love from a wife and family is a strong psychological construct and will ultimately strengthen a work safety culture.