Occupational health and safety in workplaces is a vital issue in terms of employee health and work efficiency. The primary provisions regarding occupational health and safety (OHS) in Türkiye are regulated by the Occupational Health and Safety Code No. 6331. According to this law, employers are required to carry out occupational safety management in workplaces, and special procedures to be applied in cases of first aid, emergency, disaster or fire have been determined.
Emergencies can be defined as “unexpected events” and the management of these situations is the responsibility of employers according to the law. Hazards such as fire, natural disasters and chemical leaks are among the elements that threaten the safety of employees.
Emergency plans, firefighting and first aid are critical elements in the field of occupational health and safety. This article summarises the issues of employers evaluating emergency situations in advance, taking the necessary precautions and ensuring the safety of employees within the scope of Law No. 6331 in Türkiye. In addition, information will be provided on evacuation plans and employees’ rights to refrain from working.
Preparation of Emergency Plans
According to the Occupational Health and Safety Law No. 6331, employers should prepare emergency plans by evaluating potential hazards in the work environment and the workplace. This process includes the following steps:
- Hazard Assessment: Identifying and prioritizing risks in the work environment.
- Preventive Measures: Taking measures to minimize the negative effects of identified hazards.
- Creating Emergency Plans: Detailing firefighting, first aid and evacuation procedures.
Evacuation Plans and Drills
According to the Occupational Health and Safety Law No. 6331, employers are required to create evacuation plans in the event of serious and imminent dangers. The following arrangements must be made so that employees can safely leave their work areas:
- Providing Instructions: Providing information to employees about the routes to be followed and safe areas in case of emergency.
- Providing Equipment: Providing personal protective equipment, collective protective equipment and vehicles to be used during evacuation.
- Training and Drills: Conducting regular training and drills so that employees are prepared for emergencies.
First Aid and Fire Fighting
The employer must have personnel who are adequately equipped and trained in firefighting and first aid in case of emergency. In addition, it has been obliged to make arrangements to contact organizations outside the workplace and strengthen these relationships.
Employee’s Right to Refrain from Working
According to the Act No. 6331, employees have the right to report the situation to the employer or the relevant OHS Board when they encounter serious and imminent danger.
The employer or board must make an urgent decision, record the situation in a report and notify the employees in writing.
Employees have the right to refrain from working until the necessary measures are taken. Even if this refrain is collective, it will not be considered as strike.
Conclusion
In conclusion, emergency plans, firefighting and first aid are critical elements in providing a safe working environment in workplaces. It is essential for employers to take the necessary measures to ensure the safety of their employees and to be prepared for emergencies.
In this regard, in the Turkish OHS Regime, the establishment of training, drills and effective communication mechanisms is of great importance in terms of occupational health and safety. The Occupational Health and Safety Law No. 6331 of Türkiye, has brought comprehensive obligations to employers to take occupational health and safety measures in the workplace and to make the necessary organization in case of emergencies.
