Challenges and Proposed Solutions in the Implementation of Law No. 6331 on Occupational Health and Safety in State Universities in Türkiye

İngilizce (OpenAlex)

The Occupational Health and Safety Law No. 6331 brought on a radical change in occupational health and safety (OHS) in Türkiye. OHS legislation directly applied to public institutions and universities assumed important roles as employers. This study aims to analyze the current state of the OHS practices in the state universities from the point of public administration and reveal the main problems experienced in the practice. Using the literature review method, the current OHS practices at universities were analysed based on the organizational capacity and structure, risk assessment practices, level of knowledge and awareness, organizational culture, and gap between legislation and practice. It has been found that the categorisation of universities as “low-risk” workplaces has negative effects on the institutional level of priority in the study of OHS, that risk assessments are prepared generally in a way that does not reflect the specific risks of the institution and that most OHS activities are undertaken only in order to comply with the legal requirements. In addition, lack of institutional coordination, insufficient training and awareness, and limited inspection mechanisms are among the main factors reducing the effectiveness of OHS practices in universities. Within this framework, the study presents recommendations for strengthening occupational safety and health management systems in universities by developing institutional governance structures, increasing technical capacity, expanding training and awareness programs, integrating a safety culture into the institutional culture, and activating audit mechanisms. Considering the scientific production and societal guidance roles of universities, it is assessed that effective OHS practices developed in these institutions can serve as examples for both the public and private sectors.