This study aims to examine the relationship between occupational diseases and socioeconomic variables in Türkiye during the ten-year period following the enactment of the Occupational Health and Safety Law (2013–2022). Data were obtained from publicly available sources provided by the Social Security Institution (SSI), the Turkish Statistical Institute (TURKSTAT), and the World Bank. According to the findings, the incidence rate of occupational diseases increased from 2.67 per 100,000 workers in 2013 to 6.8 in 2019, followed by a decline to 4.81 in 2022, likely due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. A significant positive correlation was found with the Human Development Index (r=0.759), while a significant negative correlation was observed with per capita income (r = –0.903, p < 0.01). The highest incidence rates were recorded in Eastern Marmara, Istanbul, and the Aegean regions, where industrial activity is most concentrated. These results indicate that occupational diseases are influenced not only by workplace conditions but also by broader economic and social factors. Therefore, preventive measures should address both sector-specific risks and regional socioeconomic disparities.
This study aims to examine the relationship between occupational diseases and socioeconomic variables in Türkiye during the ten-year period following the enactment of the Occupational Health and Safety Law (2013–2022). Data were obtained from publicly available sources provided by the Social Security Institution (SSI), the Turkish Statistical Institute (TURKSTAT), and the World Bank. According to the findings, the incidence rate of occupational diseases increased from 2.67 per 100,000 workers in 2013 to 6.8 in 2019, followed by a decline to 4.81 in 2022, likely due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. A significant positive correlation was found with the Human Development Index (r=0.759), while a significant negative correlation was observed with per capita income (r = –0.903, p < 0.01). The highest incidence rates were recorded in Eastern Marmara, Istanbul, and the Aegean regions, where industrial activity is most concentrated. These results indicate that occupational diseases are influenced not only by workplace conditions but also by broader economic and social factors. Therefore, preventive measures should address both sector-specific risks and regional socioeconomic disparities.
| Primary Language | English |
|---|---|
| Subjects | Occupational Health and Safety, Regional Development and Globalisation in Social Policy |
| Journal Section | Research Article |
| Authors | |
| Submission Date | July 10, 2025 |
| Acceptance Date | December 30, 2025 |
| Publication Date | January 24, 2026 |
| Published in Issue | Year 2026 Volume: 1 Issue: 88 |
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