IMPROVING UNDERSTANDING OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH IN THE FIELD OF ELECTRIC WELDING, YOUTH OF NAGARI III AUR MALINTANG PADANG PARIAMAN

This community service program was implemented with the aim of increasing the understanding and awareness of the youth of Nagari III Aur Malintang, Padang Pariaman, regarding the importance of occupational safety and health (K3) in the field of electric welding. The main problem faced by the community is the low awareness of the risk of work accidents due to the lack of implementation of K3 standards, even though welding skills have become part of daily activities. Through training and education activities, participants were provided with an understanding of potential hazards, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and welding techniques in accordance with safety procedures. The program implementation ran smoothly with a high level of participation from participants, marked by enthusiasm and active involvement in each session. The results of the activity showed an increase in participants' understanding of the application of K3 and safer and more effective welding skills. In addition, this activity also contributed to community empowerment by fostering a spirit of entrepreneurship based on skills oriented towards occupational safety. Thus, this program can be a strategic step in preparing a productive, independent, and competitive young generation in the field of welding.