Occupational health and safety (OHS) is a core component of labor law in Turkey and continues to evolve to meet international standards and domestic challenges. In 2025, Turkey has reinforced its legal framework and enforcement efforts around OHS, reflecting growing awareness of workplace risks and the government’s commitment to protect employees across all sectors.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the current legal landscape of OHS in Turkey, including the 2025 updates, obligations for employers, employee rights, penalties for non-compliance, and practical steps to build a safe workplace.
1. Legal Foundations of OHS in Turkey
The main legislation governing workplace health and safety in Turkey is:
- Law No. 6331 on Occupational Health and Safety (İş Sağlığı ve Güvenliği Kanunu), enacted in 2012.
This law applies to all workplaces and employees in both the public and private sectors, regardless of industry or number of employees—except for domestic help and military service roles.
Key regulations under the law include:
- Risk assessments
- Safety training
- Employment of OHS professionals
- Regular medical checkups
- Accident reporting protocols
2. Employer Obligations Under OHS Law in Turkey
Employers in Turkey are legally responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of their employees. The obligations include:
a. Risk Assessment
- Conduct written risk analyses covering physical, chemical, ergonomic, biological, and psychosocial hazards.
- Update assessments regularly or when work conditions change.
b. Appoint OHS Professionals
- Hire or contract occupational safety specialists, workplace physicians, and if needed, other health personnel.
- The required frequency and qualifications depend on the business’s risk classification (low, medium, high).
c. Training and Information
- Provide regular safety training to all employees.
- Ensure that all new hires, temporary staff, and interns receive OHS orientation.
d. Health Surveillance
- Ensure periodic medical exams, especially in hazardous jobs.
- Provide immediate care in case of incidents.
e. Safety Equipment
- Supply personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, helmets, masks—free of charge.
- Ensure proper use and maintenance.
f. Emergency Planning
- Draft and rehearse emergency response plans (fire, earthquake, chemical leak, etc.).
- Designate first aiders and fire wardens.
3. 2025 Updates to OHS Regulations in Turkey
In 2025, several changes and enforcement improvements have been made:
a. Increased Penalties
- Administrative fines have been adjusted for inflation.
- For example, failure to conduct a risk assessment now carries a penalty of TRY 23,327 (up from TRY 14,000 in 2024).
- Operating without employing a certified OHS specialist can result in a fine of TRY 46,655 per month.
b. Digital OHS Reporting System
- The Ministry of Labor has rolled out a new online platform for:
- Submitting risk assessments
- Reporting workplace accidents
- Managing OHS staff compliance
c. Enhanced Focus on SMEs
- The government is placing more emphasis on monitoring small and medium-sized enterprises, which account for the majority of workplace accidents in Turkey.
d. Sector-Specific Guidelines
- Updated safety protocols have been issued for:
- Construction
- Mining
- Chemical manufacturing
- Logistics and delivery services
4. Risk Classification of Workplaces
Every workplace in Turkey is categorized by risk level:
| Risk Level | Example Sectors | OHS Staff Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Low Risk | Offices, banks, retail | Part-time safety specialist |
| Medium Risk | Hotels, light manufacturing | Safety specialist + doctor |
| High Risk | Mining, construction, heavy industry | Full-time specialist + doctor |
Each level defines the minimum frequency of safety inspections, health checks, and training sessions.
5. Employee Rights and Responsibilities
Employees also have duties under OHS law, and their rights are protected regardless of employment type.
Employee Rights:
- Refuse dangerous work if they believe their health is at risk (without losing pay during the investigation).
- Report safety violations anonymously via government hotlines or labor inspectors.
- Receive training and equipment at no cost.
- Request access to the workplace’s risk assessment and safety data.
Employee Responsibilities:
- Follow safety rules and procedures.
- Use protective equipment provided.
- Participate in training and drills.
6. OHS Committees and Internal Oversight in Turkey
Workplaces with 50 or more employees must establish an OHS Committee composed of:
- Employer or representative
- Workplace physician
- Safety specialist
- Employee representatives
This committee meets at least once a month to:
- Review incidents
- Discuss improvements
- Monitor legal compliance
Meeting minutes must be documented and stored for inspection.
7. Workplace Accidents and Reporting Procedures
a. What Constitutes a Work Accident?
- Any injury, illness, or fatality occurring during work hours or while performing job duties.
- Includes accidents on the way to work, during business travel, or at client sites.
b. Reporting Obligations:
- Must be reported to SGK within 3 workdays
- Employers must investigate and document the incident within 2 days
- Severe incidents must be reported to the Labor Inspectorate immediately
Failure to report can result in fines up to TRY 69,982 and loss of insurance coverage for the employee.
8. Occupational Diseases
Occupational diseases (meslek hastalığı) such as:
- Asbestosis
- Lead poisoning
- Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs)
Must be diagnosed by a designated healthcare institution. Employers are responsible for:
- Reporting suspected cases
- Covering medical assessments
- Implementing hazard control measures
9. Penalties for Non-Compliance in 2025
Some of the updated administrative fines include:
| Violation | 2025 Fine (TRY) |
|---|---|
| Not conducting risk assessment | 23,327 |
| Failing to provide training | 11,446 per employee |
| No OHS professional in high-risk workplaces | 46,655/month |
| No emergency planning | 11,446 |
| Not providing PPE | 2,322 per employee |
| Not reporting an accident | 23,327 per incident |
These amounts are updated every year based on the revaluation rate and may increase further in July 2025.
10. Inspections and Audits
Labor inspectors from the Ministry of Labor conduct routine and complaint-based inspections.
During Inspections:
- Inspectors review documents: training records, risk assessments, employment contracts
- Interview employees
- Take photographs and issue warnings or fines
Repeat offenses or serious negligence (e.g., fatal accidents) may lead to temporary shutdown of the workplace and criminal prosecution.
11. OHS in Remote Work and Technology Jobs in Turkey
Although OHS laws traditionally focused on physical workspaces, remote work has introduced new challenges:
- Employers must assess ergonomic risks (e.g., poor posture, long screen time)
- Provide guidance on workstation setup
- Address mental health risks and burnout
In 2025, Turkish authorities have published non-binding guidelines for digital health and home office ergonomics.
12. Practical Steps for Employers
To comply with OHS requirements in 2025, employers should:
- Conduct a fresh risk analysis, especially if operations or staff numbers have changed.
- Update OHS policies and procedures to reflect 2025 amendments.
- Appoint or renew contracts with OHS professionals based on risk classification.
- Digitize documentation and maintain backups for at least 10 years.
- Train all employees, not just those in physical roles.
- Conduct emergency drills twice a year.
- Implement anonymous feedback channels for safety concerns.
13. Government Support and Resources
To help businesses comply, the Turkish government offers:
- Free online training materials through the Ministry of Labor
- OHS incentive programs for SMEs
- Access to certified OHS consultants
Incentives are typically provided to companies with fewer than 10 employees in low-risk industries.
The Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) landscape in Turkey continues to evolve in 2025, reflecting modern workplace dynamics and the need for better enforcement. With higher fines, digital compliance tools, and increased inspection activity, businesses must prioritize safety not only to meet legal requirements but to foster a culture of trust and responsibility.
By staying informed, working with certified professionals, and making OHS a central part of HR and operations, employers can safeguard their employees and avoid costly disruptions. In the long run, investing in safety is not a cost—it’s a commitment to long-term success and workforce well-being.
