Political parties’ occupational health and safety promises in Turkey: An analysis of the 2023 general election manifestos

BackgroundOccupational health and safety (OHS) is a vital dimension of labor policy, yet its presence in political discourse, particularly in party manifestos, remains underexplored. In democratic systems, election manifestos reflect the political will and priorities of parties, including their commitment to workers' welfare and workplace safety.ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate how political parties in Turkey addressed OHS in their 2023 general election manifestos. It seeks to evaluate the specificity, relevance, and feasibility of OHS-related promises and their alignment with international labor standards.MethodsA qualitative content analysis was conducted on the official 2023 general election manifestos of major Turkish political parties. The analysis focused on the presence, depth, and practical orientation of OHS-related discourse, examining textual data through thematic coding aligned with international policy frameworks.ResultsThe findings reveal a spectrum of approaches to OHS, ranging from general symbolic statements to concrete policy proposals. Some parties emphasized regulatory reforms, institutional capacity building, and expert-driven policy, while others provided limited or ambiguous references to worker safety. Discrepancies in terminology, focus areas, and implementation strategies were notable.ConclusionsThe study concludes that OHS remains inconsistently addressed across political platforms. Ensuring institutional stability, appointing qualified experts, and adopting evidence-based, internationally compatible strategies are essential for advancing OHS policy in Turkey. A more standardized and rights-based discourse is required for effective policy continuity and worker protection.