A Study on Occupational Health and Safety in the Agricultural Sector in Türkiye: Analysis of Work Accidents, Occupational Diseases, and Lost Workdays

The agricultural sector holds strategic economic importance due to its roles in food production, employment, and providing raw materials to industry. Türkiye is a significant agricultural country with its biological diversity, favourable climate conditions, and agriculture-based sector. According to the labor force statistics of the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), as of 2023, approximately 4.7 million people are employed in the agricultural sector in Türkiye, with the majority being seasonal workers. The farm sector includes field farming, livestock, fisheries, and forestry. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is vital for the sustainability of the agricultural sector. The Occupational Health and Safety Law No. 6331, which came into force in 2012, has mandated OHS provisions for all enterprises and employees in the agricultural sector. This study examines the statistics on work accidents, occupational diseases, and lost workdays in Türkiye's plant and animal production sector between 2018 and 2022 and evaluates the current state of OHS practices. Based on data from the Social Security Institution (SGK), the analysis reveals that 13,993 work accidents and 96 fatal work accidents occurred in the plant and animal production sector between 2018 and 2022, with the highest frequency of work accidents recorded in 2022. Additionally, 13 cases of occupational diseases were reported during the same period. An examination of temporary incapacity durations shows 133,008 days of incapacity reports, with the highest number occurring in 2021, influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. The study's findings indicate that OHS practices in the agricultural sector are inadequate and need improvement. In light of these findings, various policy recommendations have been developed, such as the widespread implementation of OHS training, increased health screenings, and stricter OHS inspections.