Slope analysis and occupational health and safety risks for watershed rehabilitation supervisors in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia

Background: Supervisors who are in charge of monitoring and assessing DASD rehabilitation activities in areas with high slopes, have potential occupational health and safety (OHS) risks that need serious attention such as slipping or falling, which is one of the main causes of injuries to workers in locations exposed to heavy terrain. In addition, health risks are also related to the physical condition of supervisors who are exposed to strenuous physical activity, extreme weather, and exposure to various diseases that can develop in the rehabilitation area. 

Method: The research is observational descriptive research carried out in two districts in Southeast Sulawesi Province, namely North Kolaka Regency and Central Buton Regency. Slope slope data was obtained from DEMNAS DATA combined with route results data from the field PIC team. The slope class is generated from DEMNAS derivative analysis using the Slope function in the Geographic Information System (GIS). The value of the slope is expressed in percent (%) or degrees (°). For the purposes of national mapping and risk analysis, classification from BIG and FAO is generally used which consists of Flat, Sloping, Slightly Steep, Steep, Very Steep.

Results: The distribution of the wide proportion (%) of each block based on five slope classes, namely flat (0–8%), sloping (8–15%), slightly steep (15–25%), steep (25–45%), and very steep (>45%). The results of the following analysis provide an overview of the characteristics of the topography and its implications for the potential land use in each block. Overall, the distribution of slope classes in this region shows a dominance in the sloping and slightly steep categories, which indicates a weak to moderate undulating geomorphological character. Blocks such as Wadiabero I and II have great potential for intensive development and agricultural activities, while blocks such as Pasampang, Watumotaha I, and Nimbuneha are more suitable for land conservation functions to maintain environmental stability and reduce erosion risk.