Turk-Is Requests Minister Vedat Işıkhan for Occupational Health

Letter on Workplace Accidents and Occupational Safety

In light of the recent increase in fatal workplace accidents, Türk-İş has sent a letter to Minister of Labor and Social Security Vedat Işıkhan demanding improvements in working conditions. The letter calls for necessary measures to be taken.

Importance of Law No. 6331

The letter, signed by Türk-İş General President Ergün Atalay and General Vice President Ramazan Ağar, emphasizes that the Occupational Health and Safety Law No. 6331, which came into effect in 2012, represents 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 Workplace Accidents and Unsafe Working Environments

The letter highlights that the increase in workplace accidents across Turkey and the dangers faced by workers indicate serious problems within the current occupational health and safety system. The accidents that occurred in many provinces last year and this year reveal the shortcomings in the occupational health and safety culture.

Deterrent Penalties and Suggested Measures

Among the causes of workplace accidents, insufficient inspection, informal employment, and inadequate penalties were noted. The letter stresses that effective monitoring of legal obligations is necessary to ensure that all workers are provided with decent, safe, and healthy working conditions.

The Value of Human Life

The letter states that the value of human life cannot be measured in monetary terms and emphasizes the need for deterrent measures, including prison sentences. Türk-İş underlined the importance of necessary legislative changes in this regard.