Occupational Accidents in Turkey’s Health Sector: A Current Assessment Based on TURKSTAT and SGK Data

Öz

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the trend of occupational accidents in the health sector in Türkiye between 2013 and 2023 using data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TURKSTAT) and the Social Security Institution (SGK), and to develop recommendations for occupational health and safety measures specific to the sector. Method: Official statistics published by TURKSTAT and SGK were utilized in this study. Annual employment figures and reported occupational accidents within the scope of human health and social work activities (NACE Rev.2 - Q sector) were examined. The rate of occupational accidents per 1,000 employees was calculated and sectoral risk levels were comparatively analyzed. Result: The data revealed that, despite periodic fluctuations, the rate of occupational accidents in the health sector showed a general upward trend. It was determined that physical and psychosocial risks faced by healthcare workers increased significantly in the post-COVID-19 pandemic period. In certain years, the health sector exhibited higher accident rates than traditionally high-risk sectors such as construction and manufacturing. These findings indicate a discrepancy between the perceived safety of the health sector and the actual risks present. Discussion: Although the health sector is traditionally considered a low-risk field, the findings highlighted overlooked and underestimated hazards within the sector. Unreported incidents, excessive workload, and burnout were identified as serious threats to the occupational safety of healthcare workers. The study underscores the urgency of developing comprehensive, sustainable, and sector-specific occupational health and safety policies.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Health Policy
• Health Sector
• Occupational Accident
• Social Policy

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Türkiye’de Sağlık Sektöründe İş Kazaları: TÜİK ve SGK Verileriyle Güncel Bir Değerlendirme

Öz

Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı, Türkiye’de sağlık sektöründe meydana gelen iş kazalarının seyrini Türkiye İstatistik Kurumu (TÜİK) ve Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu (SGK) verileri aracılığıyla 2013–2023 yılları arasında analiz etmek ve sektöre özgü iş sağlığı ve güvenliği önlemlerine ilişkin öneriler geliştirmektir. Yöntem: Araştırmada, TÜİK ve SGK tarafından yayımlanan resmi istatistikler kullanılmıştır. İnsan sağlığı ve sosyal hizmet faaliyetleri (NACE Rev.2 - Q sektörü) kapsamında yıllık çalışan sayıları ve iş kazası bildirimleri değerlendirilmiştir. 1000 çalışan başına düşen iş kazası oranı hesaplanarak sektörel risk düzeyleri karşılaştırmalı olarak analiz edilmiştir. Bulgular: Elde edilen veriler, sağlık sektöründe iş kazası oranlarının dönemsel dalgalanmalara rağmen genel olarak artış eğilimi gösterdiğini ortaya koymuştur. Özellikle COVID-19 pandemisi sonrası dönemde, sağlık çalışanlarının maruz kaldığı fiziksel ve psikososyal risklerin belirgin şekilde yükseldiği saptanmıştır. Bazı yıllarda sağlık sektörü, inşaat ve imalat gibi sektörlerden daha yüksek kaza oranlarına sahip olmuştur. Bu bulgular, sağlık alanındaki güvenlik algısının mevcut gerçeklikle örtüşmediğini göstermektedir. Tartışma: Sağlık sektörü, geleneksel olarak düşük riskli kabul edilmesine rağmen, veriler sektördeki görünmeyen ve ihmal edilen tehlikelerin altını çizmektedir. Raporlanmayan vakalar, yoğun iş yükü ve tükenmişlik sendromu gibi unsurlar sağlık çalışanlarının mesleki güvenliğini ciddi biçimde tehdit etmektedir. Çalışma, sektöre özgü, bütüncül ve sürdürülebilir iş sağlığı ve güvenliği politikalarının oluşturulmasının aciliyetini vurgulamaktadır.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• İş Kazası
• Sağlık Politikası
• Sağlık Sektörü
• Sosyal Politika

Kaynakça

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