Türkiye’de Meslek Hastalıklarının Durumu ve Sosyoekonomik Gelişmişlik ile İlişkisi: 2013-2022 Dönemine Yönelik Bir İnceleme

Abstract

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.

Keywords

• meslek hastalıkları
• ekonomik göstergeler
• sosyal faktörler

The Status of Occupational Diseases in Türkiye and Their Relationship with Socioeconomic Development: An Analysis of the 2013-2022 Period

Abstract

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.

Keywords

• occupational disease
• Economic Indicators
• Social Factors

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