Occupational health and safety services during the pandemic from the perspective of occupational health professionals working at site: A combination of questionnaire based and in-depth interview research from Türkiye

Objective: In this study, it was aimed to determine occupational health and safety practices in workplaces in COVID-19 pandemic and assess these practices from the perspective of occupational health and safety professionals. Methods: In this study, questionnaire-based and in-depth interview was used were used concomitantly. In the quantitative part, an electronic survey form was applied to 363 professionals. In the qualitative part, in-depth interviews were conducted with 24 professionals using a semi-structured interview form and the data were analyzed with MAXQDA. Results: When the measures taken for mask use, social distancing and hygiene in workplaces during the pandemic were questioned, measures taken at the highest rate were related to mask use. In-depth interviews were grouped under three themes: difficultiess, strengths and the effects of the pandemic. It was emphasized that difficulties were encountered in occupational health and safety implementation areas and the empowering role of professionals in the management of the process was emphasized. The disruption of routine OHS practices as a negative impact of the pandemic and the increase in OHS awareness as a positive impact were the most emphasized issues. Conclusion: The highest precaution taken in workplaces was the use of masks. In in-depth interviews, almost all participants emphasized the difficulties encountered in occupational health and safety practices, the supportive role of professionals in the process, and the many positive and negative effects of the pandemic on practices. Keywords: COVID-19; pandemics; occupational health; occupational safety