Turk-Is's Request for Occupational Health to Minister Vedat Işıkhan

Letter on Work Accidents and Occupational Safety

Following the recent increase in fatal work accidents, Türk-İş sent a letter to Minister of Labor and Social Security Vedat Işıkhan requesting improvements in working conditions. The letter demanded that necessary precautions be taken.

Importance of Law No. 6331

The letter signed by Ergün Atalay, General President of Türk-İş, and Ramazan Ağar, Deputy General President, emphasized that the Occupational Health and Safety Law No. 6331, which came into effect in 2012, is a significant turning point for occupational health and safety in our country. This law aims to ensure the safety of employees, prevent risks, and create safe working conditions.

Increasing Work Accidents and Unsafe Working Environments

The letter highlighted that the increasing work accidents across Turkey and the dangers faced by workers indicate serious problems in the current occupational health and safety system. The accidents occurring in many provinces last year and this year reveal the inadequacies in the work health and safety culture.

Deterrent Penalties and Prevention Suggestions

The causes of work accidents were indicated as lack of oversight, informal employment, and insufficient penalties. The letter emphasized that the legal obligations must be effectively monitored to ensure that all workers have access to decent, safe, and healthy working conditions.

The Value of Human Life

The letter expressed that the value of human life cannot be measured in monetary terms, and it emphasized that deterrent measures should be taken, including prison sentences. Türk-İş highlighted the importance of making necessary legislative changes in this regard.