Ensuring a safe and healthy workplace is a fundamental requirement for businesses operating in Turkey. The country has established a comprehensive legal framework designed to protect employees and prevent occupational accidents and diseases. Adhering to these regulations is not only a legal obligation but also crucial for maintaining productivity, employee well-being, and a positive corporate reputation.
Compliance with Turkish health and safety laws involves understanding the specific requirements for risk assessment, training, workplace inspections, and accident reporting. Employers must proactively implement measures to identify and mitigate hazards, establish clear protocols, and foster a culture of safety among all personnel.
Health and Safety Laws and Regulatory Framework
The primary legislation governing occupational health and safety in Turkey is Law No. 6331 on Occupational Health and Safety, enacted in 2012. This law aligns Turkish OHS standards with European Union directives and applies to all workplaces, regardless of size or sector, with very few exceptions. It establishes the general principles, duties, and responsibilities related to workplace safety.
Several regulations supplement Law No. 6331, providing detailed requirements for specific areas. Key regulations include:
| Regulation Name | Scope |
|---|---|
| Regulation on Risk Assessment in Occupational Health and Safety | Details the process and requirements for conducting workplace risk assessments. |
| Regulation on Occupational Health and Safety Services | Defines the roles and responsibilities of OHS professionals (OHS experts, workplace doctors, nurses). |
| Regulation on Occupational Health and Safety Committees | Outlines the establishment, duties, and functioning of OHS committees. |
| Regulation on Health and Safety Signs | Specifies requirements for safety signs and signals in the workplace. |
| Regulation on Health and Safety Measures in Working with Chemical Substances | Sets rules for handling, storage, and use of hazardous chemicals. |
| Regulation on Health and Safety Measures in Working with Asbestos | Provides specific requirements for work involving asbestos. |
| Regulation on Health and Safety in Manual Handling Operations | Addresses risks associated with lifting, carrying, and moving loads. |
| Regulation on Health and Safety in Workplaces with Display Screen Equipment | Covers ergonomic and health requirements for VDU users. |
| Regulation on Health and Safety in Temporary or Mobile Work Sites | Sets specific rules for construction sites and similar temporary workplaces. |
| Regulation on Health and Safety in Work at Height | Details requirements for preventing falls from height. |
| Regulation on Health and Safety in Workplaces with Explosive Atmospheres (ATEX) | Addresses risks related to potentially explosive environments. |
These regulations, along with others covering specific hazards or industries, form the comprehensive legal basis for OHS compliance in Turkey.
Occupational Health and Safety Standards and Practices
Compliance with Turkish OHS law requires implementing specific standards and practices within the workplace. These include conducting thorough risk assessments, establishing safety committees, providing mandatory training, and maintaining detailed documentation.
Risk Assessment
Risk assessment is a cornerstone of Turkish OHS law. Employers are legally required to identify hazards, assess risks, and determine necessary control measures. This process must be documented and reviewed regularly, or whenever significant changes occur in the workplace (e.g., new equipment, processes, or incidents). The assessment should involve employee participation and consider all potential risks, including physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, and psychosocial hazards.
Safety Committees
Workplaces employing 50 or more employees for six months or longer are required to establish an Occupational Health and Safety Committee. The composition of the committee is defined by law and typically includes the employer or their representative, an OHS expert, a workplace doctor, a human resources representative, and employee representatives. The committee meets regularly (at least monthly in dangerous and very dangerous workplaces, and every two months in less dangerous ones) to discuss OHS issues, evaluate risk assessment findings, monitor compliance, and make recommendations for improvement.
Training Requirements
Employers must provide OHS training to all employees. The frequency and content of the training depend on the workplace's hazard class (less dangerous, dangerous, very dangerous) and the employee's specific role and risks. Training must cover general OHS principles, specific workplace hazards, emergency procedures, and the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). New employees, employees changing roles, or those returning after extended leave must receive appropriate training. Refresher training is mandatory at specified intervals.
Documentation Obligations
Maintaining comprehensive OHS documentation is crucial for demonstrating compliance. Required documents typically include:
- Risk assessment reports
- Emergency plans and evacuation procedures
- OHS training records
- Records of OHS committee meetings (if applicable)
- Records of workplace inspections and audits
- Records of occupational accidents and diseases
- Health surveillance records for employees (maintained by the workplace doctor)
- Certificates and reports from OHS professionals (OHS expert, workplace doctor)
- Documentation related to specific hazards or equipment (e.g., machinery maintenance logs, chemical safety data sheets)
All documentation must be kept up-to-date and readily available for inspection.
Workplace Inspection Processes and Requirements
Workplace inspections in Turkey are primarily conducted by inspectors from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. These inspections aim to ensure employers are complying with OHS legislation and regulations. Inspectors have the authority to enter workplaces, examine documents, interview employees and management, and investigate working conditions.
Employers must cooperate fully with inspectors and provide access to all requested information and areas of the workplace. Failure to comply with OHS requirements identified during an inspection can result in administrative fines, orders to cease hazardous activities, or even temporary closure of the workplace until deficiencies are corrected. Preparing for inspections involves ensuring all required documentation is organized, OHS measures are implemented effectively, and employees are aware of safety procedures.
Workplace Accident Protocols and Reporting
In the event of a workplace accident or the diagnosis of an occupational disease, specific protocols must be followed, and reporting is mandatory.
Accident Protocols
Immediate steps following an accident should include:
- Providing immediate first aid and medical assistance to the injured person(s).
- Securing the accident scene to prevent further incidents and preserve evidence.
- Notifying relevant internal personnel (e.g., OHS expert, supervisor).
- Investigating the cause of the accident to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
Reporting Requirements
Employers are legally required to report workplace accidents and occupational diseases to the Social Security Institution (SGK).
| Event | Reporting Deadline | Reporting Method |
|---|---|---|
| Workplace Accident | Within three working days following the accident. | Electronically via the SGK's online system or by submitting a written declaration. |
| Occupational Disease | Within three working days of the employer being notified of the diagnosis by the workplace doctor or health provider. | Electronically via the SGK's online system or by submitting a written declaration. |
| Accident resulting in death | Immediately, and in any case, within the specified three working days. | Electronically via the SGK's online system or by submitting a written declaration. |
Failure to report accidents or occupational diseases within the stipulated timeframe can result in administrative fines. The accident investigation findings and corrective actions should also be documented.
Employer and Employee Responsibilities for Workplace Safety
Both employers and employees have distinct but complementary responsibilities for ensuring a safe working environment in Turkey.
Employer Responsibilities
Employers bear the primary responsibility for workplace safety. Their duties include:
- Establishing and implementing an effective OHS management system.
- Conducting risk assessments and implementing control measures.
- Providing a safe working environment, including safe equipment and machinery.
- Providing necessary OHS training to all employees.
- Providing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) free of charge and ensuring its proper use.
- Ensuring health surveillance for employees through a workplace doctor.
- Establishing emergency procedures and ensuring employees are trained on them.
- Investigating workplace accidents and occupational diseases and taking corrective actions.
- Consulting with employees and their representatives on OHS matters.
- Complying with all relevant OHS legislation and regulations.
Employee Responsibilities
Employees also have crucial responsibilities for their own safety and the safety of others. These include:
- Complying with OHS rules, procedures, and instructions provided by the employer.
- Using machinery, equipment, hazardous substances, transport equipment, and other means of production correctly.
- Using provided PPE correctly and returning it after use.
- Reporting any immediate danger or deficiency in OHS measures to their supervisor or the OHS committee.
- Cooperating with the employer and OHS professionals in implementing OHS measures.
- Participating in OHS training.
- Undergoing health surveillance when required.
A collaborative approach between employers and employees is essential for creating and maintaining a safe and healthy workplace culture in Turkey.
