Council of State doesn’t recognize COVID-19 as an occupational disease

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The Council of State has rejected the request for the stay of execution of the Social Security Institution (SGK) circular not recognizing the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as an occupational disease.

The United Mine Workers' Union previously applied to the Council, demanding that the execution of the circular which failed to recognize COVID-19 as an occupational disease be halted and the circular be revoked.

As reported by Fevzi Çakır from HaberTürk, the petition submitted to the Council of State underlined that there was no explanation for the failure to recognize COVID-19 as an occupational disease if persons working in pandemic conditions contracted the virus. The union further noted that the circular was against the legislation and demanded its cancellation.

In the statement of defense sent by the SGK to the 10th Chamber of the Council of State, it was indicated that it was not possible to recognize COVID-19 as an occupational disease or an occupational accident since it was a risk faced by the entire world. The institution further argued that the society as a whole, rather than employers, should take measures against the disease and demanded the rejection of the lawsuit.

Hearing the statements of both parties, the 10th Penal Chamber of the Council of State has rejected the request for the stay of execution of the SGK circular not recognizing the COVID-19 as an occupational disease. 

The Council of State will conclude the application for the cancellation of the circular at a later date. (RT/SD)