Analysis of Potential Hazards for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Workers in The Garment Industry Using The Hiradc Method

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the garment sector, particularly home-based convection industries, contribute significantly to local employment in Gresik City, Indonesia. However, the informal nature of these enterprises, limited workspace, and minimal occupational safety management may expose workers to substantial occupational hazards that are rarely assessed systematically. This study aimed to identify potential workplace hazards, evaluate their risk levels, and determine appropriate risk control strategies using the Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, and Determining Control (HIRADC) method integrated with a phenomenological approach. A qualitative phenomenological design was employed involving 45 workers from 10 garment home Industri SMEs in Gresik City. Data were collected through structured field observations, in-depth semi-structured interviews, and contextual workplace assessment checklists. Risk evaluation was conducted using the HIRADC matrix by determining Likelihood (L), Severity (S), and Risk (R = L × S). Data analysis included thematic coding, phenomenological reduction, and integration of qualitative findings with quantitative risk scores. The dominant hazards identified were ergonomic risks (prolonged static posture and repetitive motion), mechanical hazards (needle punctures and cutting injuries), thermal hazards (burns from ironing), and electrical and fire hazards due to overloaded outlets and combustible material accumulation. HIRADC analysis revealed that ergonomic risks (R=15), burn injuries (R=16), and fire hazards (R=15) were categorized as high risk, while mechanical and housekeeping hazards were classified as moderate to high risk. Phenomenologically, workers tended to normalize physical discomfort and prioritize productivity over safety, perceiving occupational safety as an individual responsibility rather than a systematic management issue. The findings indicate that home-based garment SMEs possess significant occupational risks that require structured yet contextually feasible risk management strategies. Integrating phenomenological insights with HIRADC provides both experiential understanding and objective prioritization, supporting the development of realistic, low-cost hierarchical control interventions for sustainable occupational safety improvement. Keywords: Garment SMEs, Hazard Identification, HIRADC, Occupational Risk, Occupational Safety and Health.