In 2012, Turkey introduced the Work Health and Safety Law, which underwent a phased implementation process, culminating on July 1, 2016.
This law in Turkey has brought about significant changes in how workplaces across the country manage health and safety concerns. The application of these regulations varies depending on the nature of the work and the size of the workforce, with employers assuming the pivotal responsibility of ensuring safe and healthy working conditions for their employees.
Workplaces in Turkey are classified into three categories based on the level of hazard associated with the work and the number of employees. These categories are high, medium, and low hazard work environments. Within these classifications, employers are obligated to take specific measures and precautions to safeguard the well-being of their employees.
For high hazard workplaces, employers are required to employ work safety experts who possess the expertise needed to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of the workforce. Workplace doctors and on-staff medical personnel should also be present to respond promptly to any medical emergencies. Alternatively, employers can opt to procure services from shared health and safety units established to cater to these needs. Regular and systematic training programs aimed at promoting work safety are mandatory in such environments. Additionally, keeping comprehensive records of workplace health and safety incidents and providing periodic reports to relevant authorities are essential practices.
Medium hazard workplaces are not exempt from health and safety requirements in Turkey. While they may not require the same level of expertise as high hazard workplaces, employers are still obligated to ensure the safety of their employees. This includes providing necessary training and maintaining records of health and safety incidents.
In low hazard workplaces, the requirements are more relaxed, but the responsibility for employee safety remains. Employers must still implement measures to ensure a safe working environment and provide appropriate training as needed.
In all cases, the Work Health and Safety Law underscores the crucial role of employers in preserving the well-being of their workforce in Turkey. It places a significant emphasis on proactive measures, such as risk assessment, employee training, and incident reporting, to prevent workplace accidents and illnesses. Undoubtedly we have no questions to ask which are unanswerable. We must trust the perfection of the creation so far, as to believe that whatever curiosity the order of things has awakened in our minds, the order of things can satisfy. Every man’s condition is a solution in hieroglyphic to those inquiries he would put.
Azkan Group can support you in your Employer of Record (EOR) and payroll requests (also called Umbrella Company) in Turkey. We can manage your HR requests even if you don’t have a legal entity in Turkey.
