Ensuring occupational health and safety is crucial for promoting a sustainable future and social well-being since human beings are the most valuable asset in driving progress and advancement in society. As per the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we are entitled to the rights of life, freedom, and safety, which should be protected as a fundamental requirement in our professional lives. As a result of technological advancements and emerging industries, we are witnessing the evolution of OHS practices in this regard.

Since 1987, May 4th to May 10th has been acknowledged as 'Occupational Health and Safety Week' in our country to bring attention to OHS practices. During this week, the Ministry of Labor and Social Security of the Republic of Türkiye arranges diverse events and conferences concerning the matter.

However, what does occupational health and safety entail in greater detail? Which practices are included? What measures need to be taken to ensure the safety of employees? Let's explore.

What is occupational health and safety?

Scientific procedures are implemented to avoid hazardous circumstances that could jeopardize workers' health and safety due to work-related activities. This is based on the principle that an employee's health condition before starting a job should be equivalent to that after completing it.

The main goals of OHS practices are to reduce the risk of workplace accidents, prevent health issues that may result from work-related activities, and ensure that appropriate measures are taken. However, as industrialization, technological progress, and new business sectors emerge, the scope of OHS practices is widening. Nowadays, we can incorporate OHS practices into various fields, such as the workplace's physical environment, the execution of operations, employee development, and social opportunities.

The International Labor Organization (ILO) reports that almost 2 million people die yearly due to work-related accidents and illnesses, although all accidents can be avoided. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a robust OHS culture in the workplace, implementing practices that comprehensively prioritize employees' health and safety. To draw attention to these practices, let's examine some essential details related to this topic.

“The International Labor Organization (ILO) reports that almost 2 million people die yearly due to work-related accidents and illnesses, although all accidents can be avoided. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a robust OHS culture in the workplace.”

Key Points in OHS Practices

Risk assessment:
To identify potential risks in the industry sector, both quantitative and qualitative methods should be used to collect and analyze relevant data.

Environmental safety:
Workspaces must be designed to consider potential hazards related to the activities involved. These environments should be created to minimize the risk of workplace accidents and to ensure that employees can safely and effectively perform their activities.

Periodic inspections:
Activities should be conducted and monitored in compliance with relevant legal and other requirements, risk assessments, and work authorization systems. Regular checks and maintenance activities should be performed on vehicles, equipment, and technical materials.

Adherence to international OHS standards:
Occupational health and safety practices should consider global scientific and technical advancements. Employers should comply with legal regulations while closely following international OHS standards and integrating them into work processes.

OHS training and events:
To ensure workplace safety, all employee teams must have the same level of awareness. Essential occupational health and safety training should be given to each employee, and awareness-raising activities should be planned. Action plans should be prepared for disasters and emergencies, and drills should be conducted to implement them.

Inclusivity:
OHS practices should apply to all employees. Employers should equally protect and promote their employees' safety and right to life-based on universal principles.

At the heart of our corporate culture in SOCAR Türkiye lies universal values. We place great importance on our employees and prioritize creating a healthy and safe work environment for them. To achieve this, we implement international standards in our occupational health and safety practices and certify our efforts in our facilities with ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 and our port operations with Greenport Green Port Certificates.

In addition, we recognize the significance of our employees in establishing a healthy workplace. We conduct regular training programs to foster the OHS culture and promote awareness within the company. These training programs commence with an orientation program offered at the beginning of employment and persist throughout the employment period. Accordingly, we administered 165,244 hours of OHS training to our 5,210 personnel in 2022.

Since our sector inherently involves risky activities, we have implemented the SAFE OHS-E Management System, incorporating industry best practices to minimize all potential risks. Accordingly, we carry out regular risk assessments and meticulously execute all required activities concerning equipment, materials, process control systems, operational systems, and business management. We are committed to enhancing our OHS practices to ensure the well-being of our employees and the continuity of our operations.