SGK, Turkey’s Social Security Administration, released a report, saying that at least 745 workers died on the job in 2012. Another recent report released by Worker Health and Work Security Assembly cited at least 848 workplace deaths in 2012. The difference marked 103 cases not cited by SGK.
According to SGK, at least 1710 workers died on the job in 2011 - which marked a 56 percent decrease in the death toll.
Claiming that SGK tolls are not “reliable”, Worker Health and Work Security Assembly said SGK and Work Ministry are compelled to make a more reliable data collection and share them with public.
The assembly disclosed some of their differences with SGK as follows:
* According to SGK 2012 statistics, only 2 worker was reported dead due to professional illness. However, we know that Idris Oral and Vedat Yıldırak died due to silicosis as well. These death also attracted media coverage.
* According to SGK 2012 statistics, only 9 female worker deaths were reported. However, the assembly cited at least 61 female workers who died on the job in the same period. Some authorities are trying to vanish women in the work force just like they do in every part of life.
* According to SGK 2012 statistics, only 2 home work accidents were reported leaving 2 men injured. However, the assembly cited the death of home cleaning workers Nurgül Büyükkınıklı (21) in Muğla’da, Fiiz Demir (35) in Bursa, and Pakize Akcan (31) in Adana.
* According to SGK 2012 statistics, at least 9 people died in hunting, fishing and forest sectors. However, the assembly cited at least 90 agriculture worker causalities in the same period.
* According to SGK 2012 statistics, at least 44 people died in mining and stone mines. However, the assembly cited at least 81 mine worker causalities in the same period. (NV/BM)
* Click here to read the original article in Turkish.
