Revitalizing occupational health efforts to support the occupational safety and health of informal palm oil plantation workers: Scoping review

Abstract

Background: Informal workers in the palm oil plantation sector face high risks of accidents and health hazards, but are often not covered by formal occupational health services. Occupational Health Posts are an initiative to reach them, but their implementation has not been optimal. Revitalizing Occupational Health Posts is important to strengthen inclusive and sustainable occupational safety and health services. Objective: This study aims to review the role of revitalizing Occupational Health Posts in supporting the safety and health of informal workers in palm oil plantations. Methods: This study used a scoping review approach based on the Arksey and O’Malley framework with PRISMA-ScR guidance. Literature searches were conducted through the Google Scholar database using keywords such as “Occupational Health Posts,” “informal workers,” “palm oil plantations,” and “Occupational Safety and Health.” Articles that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were analyzed thematically. Results: Of the seven selected articles, most showed that the existence of Occupational Health Posts positively contributed to raising workers’ awareness of occupational safety and health, providing promotive and preventive services, and bridging access to health services. However, challenges remain in terms of limited resources, cross-sectoral involvement, and program monitoring and evaluation. Conclusion: Both qualitative and quantitative studies highlight the need to revitalize Occupational Health Posts through a more participatory and locally needs-based approach. Such revitalization has great potential to support occupational safety and health protection for informal workers in palm oil plantations.