Occupational accidents lead to fatalities

Assist. Prof. Dr. Ayşe Tansu Tunçbilek, lecturer in the Department of Industrial Engineering, Cyprus International University (CIU) Faculty of Engineering, reported that  according to the TRNC Labor Department 2020 accident statistics, there were 302 occupational accidents which led to 298 injuries and 4 deaths.

Speaking on the occasion of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Week, Tunçbilek said, “There were 142 occupational accidents in 2018 leading to  138 injuries and 4 mortalities. In 2019 the figures were up ending in 387 occupational accidents with 383 injured and 4 dead. In 2020, there were 302 occupational accidents which led to 298 injuries and 4 deaths. The 2021 statistical data has not yet been released.”

Assist. Prof. Dr. Ayşe Tansu Tunçbilek pointed out that there was a significant increase in the work-place related accidents in 2018-2019, and the decrease in numbers in 2020 is due to the fact that most of the business sectors have been inactive due to the pandemic as of the second half of the year.

Tunçbilek said OHS constitutes one of the key issues in work life, adding,  “ OHS is a concept related to human health and life. No work is more important than human life.”

Assist. Prof. Dr. Tunçbilek, expressed that according to Labor Department accident statistics, we can conclude that issues such as continuous supervision, employee and employer responsibilities are important factors in the prevention of work accidents, and  also, the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be considered.

Tunçbilek said that workplaces should act with the understanding of people first, health first and work safety first, and that   "Occupational Health and Safety should be given top priority in all processes, and OHS awareness should be created."

Tunçbilek continued to emphasize the significance giving periodical OHS training to the employees  saying, “Reminding people of the rules and regulations is significant in terms of protecting themselves in work life.” Tunçbilek reminded that the Social Insurance and Labor Department is the supervisory institution in OHS practices, and said inspections in the country are necessary and should be carried out frequently, as these inspections serve as  the most important factor that will ensure the serious prevention of work accidents.