June 2025 proved to be a grim month for workplace safety in Turkey, as monthly reports indicate that at least 164 workers lost their lives due to various workplace-related incidents. The continuous rise in workplace fatalities highlights the pressing need for significant safety reforms within the nation’s various industries. Of particular concern is the data revealing that a staggering 961 workers have died in similar incidents within the first half of the year.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) Breakdown of June’s Fatalities by Sector |
| 2) Vulnerable Groups in Workplace Fatalities |
| 3) Turkey’s Occupational Death Rate Compared to Europe |
| 4) Notable Incidents in June |
| 5) The Older Workforce: A Concern for Safety |
Breakdown of June’s Fatalities by Sector
In June 2025, the industrial sector experienced the highest number of workplace-related deaths, totaling 47 fatalities. The construction industry followed closely behind with 40 reported deaths. The service sector recorded 39 fatalities, and agriculture accounted for 38 deaths within the same time frame. This data emphasizes the urgent need for stricter regulations and safety protocols across these high-risk sectors.
The monthly report from the Health and Safety Labor Watch (İSİG) provides detailed insights into the nature of the incidents that led to these fatalities. Construction workers faced a higher likelihood of painful deaths from falling from heights, which has been a long-standing issue in the sector. The transportation sector saw a surge in fatal traffic accidents involving truck, taxi, and motorcycle delivery drivers. Moreover, agricultural workers were notably impacted by diseases like Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, leading to more fatalities that could be potentially mitigated with appropriate safety measures.
Vulnerable Groups in Workplace Fatalities
Among the victims, a disturbing trend emerged: child labor is still a significant issue in Turkey. The report revealed that at least four child workers lost their lives in June, with one being under the age of 14 and others aged 15-17. These children were mainly employed in agriculture and the metal sector, raising questions about the regulation and enforcement of child labor laws in the country.
Additionally, a significant proportion of the fatalities involved older workers. Out of the total fatalities, 33 were aged between 50 to 64, with 15 individuals aged 65 or older. This demographic is particularly vulnerable, often working in physically demanding and unsafe conditions. The report also highlighted that 15 of the deceased workers were women, whose contributions spanned across various sectors including agriculture, education, and health.
Migrant workers were not exempt from these tragic incidents. The report documented the deaths of at least five migrant workers, four from Syria and one from Afghanistan, emphasizing the precarious nature of their employment. They worked in agriculture, food processing, mining, and construction, further indicating that workplace safety measures must account for the specific vulnerabilities of migrant laborers.
Turkey’s Occupational Death Rate Compared to Europe
Turkey continues to hold one of the highest rates of occupational fatalities in Europe. The data from İSİG indicates that 1,897 workers lost their lives in job-related incidents in 2024 alone. This stark contrast is particularly distressing when considering that all 27 EU countries combined recorded 3,347 fatal occupational accidents in the same timeframe, despite having a population nearing 450 million.
The troubling statistics reveal a persistent issue with workplace safety not only in Turkey but also on a global level. Failing to address these alarming trends could result in further loss of life, prompting calls for accountability from both employers and the government. There is a pressing need for comprehensive investigations into the causes behind these fatalities and the implementation of effective safety protocols to prevent future incidents.
Notable Incidents in June
The report includes numerous specific incidents detailing the tragic loss of life among workers. One particularly heart-wrenching case involvedZeki Aldemir, a 75-year-old dispatcher who collapsed while working at a taxi station in İzmir. Such critical circumstances often reflect a dire need for better pension and safety structures for older workers.
Other heartbreaking stories included the fatal accidents ofSelami Şimşek, 71, who fell from a construction site, and Abdullah Çolak, 67, who was discovered deceased in the factory where he worked. The case ofLatif Usta, 66, who lost his life when a tree fell on him while cutting it, serves as a grim reminder of the dangers inherent in labor-intensive jobs.
Moreover, child labor instances were noted in tragic circumstances, where 14-year-oldDavut Bozan drowned while swimming in a reservoir in Gaziantep. Such incidents highlight the need for stricter regulations concerning young workers. Similarly, tragic accidents claimed the lives of 16-year-oldsYusuf Akdeniz andTurhan Karabulut, reinforcing the severity and urgency of the situation.
The Older Workforce: A Concern for Safety
The increasing number of older workers involved in fatal workplace incidents needs urgent attention. Many elderly individuals are compelled to continue working due to inadequate pensions, often resulting in their exposure to perilous jobs. The statistics not only reflect a crisis about the physical well-being of these workers but also acute socioeconomic issues affecting their ability to retire safely.
The report noted deaths involving women workers, such asNaciye Aktaş, who tragically died when her electric motorcycle overturned. Another incident involvedBetül Dilek, who succumbed to electric shock at a food factory due to allegedly faulty equipment. Furthermore, the report documented the grave circumstances under which workers are forced to operate, emphasizing the need for reforms to protect these vulnerable populations.
The government must enact stricter enforcement of labor laws, protect the rights of older and migrant workers, and establish comprehensive safety protocols in industries notorious for high fatality rates. A collaborative approach, involving industry leaders and labor organizations, should pave the way for a safer working environment for all.
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | 164 workers died in workplace incidents in Turkey in June 2025. |
| 2 | The majority of fatalities occurred in industrial sectors, particularly construction. |
| 3 | Child labor and aged workers remain vulnerable groups in workplace safety. |
| 4 | Turkey’s occupational death rate is significantly higher than that of the EU member states. |
| 5 | There is a pressing need for safety reforms and enforcement of labor laws in Turkey. |
Summary
The alarming number of workplace fatalities in Turkey, with 164 deaths reported in June alone, indicates a systemic failure to ensure worker safety across various sectors. Vulnerable populations, including children, women, and migrant workers, face disproportionate risks, reaffirming the necessity for immediate legislative reforms and industry safety standards. As the nation grapples with these dire statistics, calls for accountability and protective measures grow more pressing, aiming to prevent further loss of life and enhance the working conditions for all employees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What were the leading causes of workplace fatalities in June 2025?
The leading causes varied by sector: in construction, falls from height were most common, while transportation saw fatal traffic accidents involving delivery drivers. Agriculture workers faced dangers like Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, and in the metal industry, crushing incidents were reported.
Question: How many victims were union members?
Out of the 164 workers who died, only three were union members, comprising approximately 1.82% of the total fatalities, indicating a significant lack of union representation in hazardous jobs.
Question: What measures can be taken to improve workplace safety?
Improving workplace safety could involve stricter enforcement of existing labor laws, the establishment of comprehensive safety protocols, and increased investment in training for employees on safety measures.
