Occupational health and safety outlook in Turkey

The safety and health conditions at work are very different between countries, economic sectors and social groups. Deaths and injuries take a particularly heavy toll in developing countries, where a large part of the population is engaged in hazardous activities. A healthy and safe work environment not only is desirable from the perspective of workers, but also contributes considerably to labour productivity and, as a consequence, promotes economic growth. Occupational accidents have been a significant problem in Turkey as it is all over the world. Occupational safety in in Turkey is a critical issue. The number of fatalities is unacceptably high. This study examines occupational accidents all over Turkey on a sectorial basis and also the change in accidents throughout the years. A sectorial and statistical assessment of occupational accidents in Turkey was conducted to examine the reasons for the high level of occupational accidents in the country. Also, explained occupational health and safety in relation to improve safety performances or accidents prevention. In the light of these statistical assessments, reasons and outcomes of occupational accidents in Turkey were assessed, and solution offers were given in order to decrease occupational accidents. This article presents the data in Turkey during a 13-year period (2001-2013). © 2015 Taylor & Francis Group, London.