Occupational Safety is not An Obligation, But An Investment in the Sustainability of the Companies

Interview: Dilek Hayırlı

Aslı Emecan, Partner of Merkez Sağlık JHSU, discusses the importance of OHS culture in the textile sector with field experiences and sector analyses. Emecan, says; “Precautions taken before work accidents occur are not only a legal obligation; they are also a strategic investment that strengthens the continuity of production, employee loyalty and brand reliability.”

The textile sector is not only a production area where fabric and yarn meet; it is also an industry where time is a race, human labour is intertissued with machinery and there is no room for error. The dynamics of the sector are shaped by elements such as fast production cycles, intensive labour, short delivery times and competitive pressures, while occupational health and safety (OHS) is at a crucial crossroads, often in the background, but directly affecting many elements from sustainability to efficiency.

With the extension of the legal scope from 2025, even low-risk companies with 1 employee will be subject to OHS obligations. This development means that OHS must become standard practice in all areas of production, from large factories to small workshops. Most importantly, these obligations must not be limited to compliance with legislation, but must become part of the corporate culture.

In this issue’s in-depth interview with Merkez Sağlık JHSU partner Aslı Emecan, we discuss in detail what occupational health and safety means in the textile industry, its equivalents in the field and the transformation of companies in this area.

Can you tell us a little about yourself? When and how did you decide to work in the field of occupational health and safety?

After completing my high school education at Kabataş Erkek Lisesi, I graduated from the Department of Landscape Architecture at Istanbul University. I then completed the Pre-MBA programme at Istanbul University. I have had various experiences in different fields, including the one I graduated from. During the period when the Occupational Health and Safety Law came into effect as part of the harmonisation process practices, when the European Union and Turkiye were in close contact (2012), my family was actively working in this sector. Thanks to this, I had the opportunity to closely follow and observe the developments in the sector. After receiving the necessary training and successfully passing the exams, I received my certificate as an occupational safety specialist. Since then, I have been working in the field as an occupational safety specialist and also play an active role as a manager in the Joint Health and Safety Unit.

First, let’s start with the JHSU question. Then, can we hear the story of the establishment of Merkez Sağlık JHSU from you?

Occupational health and safety services are provided by Joint Health and Safety Units (JHSU), which are legally authorised by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security of the Republic of Turkiye, or by occupational health specialists, occupational physicians and other health personnel employed in the workplace. Merkez Sağlık JHSU was established in 2013 in Istanbul. As of today, we provide services to approximately 600 companies. Our client portfolio is quite diverse. Approximately 25% of these companies are in the textile sector.

What is Occupational Health and Safety and why is it important for companies?

Occupational health and safety is a systematic approach aimed at protecting employees from all types of health and safety risks they may encounter in the workplace. It is not only about preventing accidents, but also about promoting the physical, mental and social well-being of employees. For companies, occupational health and safety is not only a legal obligation, but also a critical investment in business sustainability and efficiency. A safe working environment reduces accidents, occupational illnesses and lost production, while increasing employee motivation and loyalty. A company’s most valuable resource is its people, and protecting that resource is actually securing the company’s future.

“Companies with 1 Employee Cannot Ignore OHS Processes”

How has occupational health and safety awareness changed in recent years? What is the current level of awareness in Turkiye and worldwide?

In recent years, awareness of occupational health and safety has increased significantly both in Turkiye and around the world. Occupational health and safety, which used to be seen as a “legal compliance obligation”, has begun to become part of the corporate culture. Employers now better understand the need to take precautions before an accident occurs, not after. For small companies, the marathon is just beginning. From January 2025, workplaces with 1 employee and classified as low-risk will be included in the scope of the law. This is a major turning point. Even small companies will no longer be able to ignore OHS processes. The fact that OHS is included in international standards, certification schemes and sustainability reports shows how deep this awareness has gone. Now even investors can make decisions based on a company’s safety record. International certificates, particularly those required by exporting textile companies, have made it mandatory for workplaces to comply not only with national legislation but also with international health and safety standards. Certificates such as BSCI, SEDEX, WRAP and ISO 45001 require detailed assessment of health and safety practices during the audit process.

Are OHS investments perceived by companies as a cost? What should be done to change this perception?

Unfortunately, investing in occupational health and safety can still be seen by some companies as an “extra cost”. In reality, however, OHS expenditure is not a cost but a long-term investment. The most effective way to change this perception is to show employers, with real examples, how a simple precaution can prevent a major accident and how a well-planned OHS system ensures production continuity. Results such as preventing accidents, reducing production losses, increasing employee loyalty and productivity are directly reflected in the company’s performance. While the primary objective of health and safety measures may be to protect the employee, the measures taken also ensure the safety of the company building, machinery and products.

What are the main occupational health and safety risks in the textile sector? What are the most common occupational accidents and diseases?

The textile industry presents many different occupational health and safety risks due to the variety of production processes and the fast pace of work. Although the dynamics of each production area are different, the main risks we encounter most frequently in the field are as follows:

Risks originating from machinery and equipment: Hand and finger jams, cuts and bruises that occur during intensive use of equipment such as overlock, sewing, cutting and ironing machines are among the most common accidents.

Ergonomic risks: Long-term standing work, repetitive movements and inadequate seating arrangements cause musculoskeletal disorders, especially in sewing departments.

Fire risk: Due to the abundance of flammable materials such as cotton, yarn, fabric and heat-producing equipment such as ironing and steam systems, fire safety is a critical issue in the textiles.

Chemical exposure: Skin and respiratory diseases caused by chemicals used in dyehouses and printing are among the occupational diseases to be considered in the textile sector.

Dust and ventilation: Elements such as cotton dust and flying fibres can lead to respiratory diseases such as dust allergy, asthma and bronchitis, especially for those working in poorly ventilated environments.

Noise: High levels of noise, particularly in yarn and weaving factories, to which workers are constantly exposed can lead to long-term hearing loss. Factors such as fast-paced production, shift systems and inadequate rest areas can cause stress for workers.

“The First Step in OHS is to Perform Risk Assessment Correctly”

What are the first steps textile companies should take to improve their OHS processes? What is the employer’s role in this process?

The first step in improving occupational health and safety processes is for companies to embrace the process with real awareness. This embrace begins not only with meeting the requirements of the legislation, but also with internalising the safety of employees. The most critical step to take first is to conduct a proper risk assessment. Only when the current situation has been correctly analysed will it become clear what needs to be improved.

A brief summary of what employers are legally required to do;

• Provide occupational health and safety services to employees.
• Perform a risk analysis to determine current risks.
• Ensure that employees receive training such as occupational health and safety training, vocational training, and emergency team training.
• Having an Emergency Action Plan and keeping the workplace ready for emergencies by informing employees.
• Identifying and training personnel on the detection of emergencies that may occur in the workplace, determining precautions and intervention methods, first aid, firefighting and evacuation.
• To ensure the protection of the health of employees by providing them with suitable people and suitable jobs by conducting pre-employment and periodic health examinations.
• Ensure that work equipment and the workplace meet health and safety requirements and that maintenance, repairs and periodic inspections are carried out.

What are the most common security vulnerabilities you encounter when performing risk analysis? What mistakes do companies make in these areas?

The most common sources of hazards we encounter are: workplaces that are not designed to withstand emergencies, electrical installations that are not designed for production capacities, inadequate building security, inadequate ventilation systems, selection of work equipment and machinery that does not comply with safety regulations, health conditions of individuals that are not suitable for the work they perform, lack of periodic inspections and maintenance of both equipment and machinery, and poor management decisions. Companies may not be aware of what they need to do because they are not familiar with the legislation on these issues. As experts, we not only communicate the legislation, but also provide concrete examples of what can happen and what losses can be incurred if these measures are not taken.

How do textile companies approach occupational health and safety? Are they truly proactive or are they taking precautions out of necessity?

The approach to occupational health and safety in the textile sector can vary considerably from company to company. The attitude of the employer and management is as effective as the capacity of the company. In large and exporting companies, especially those that are subject to international inspections, OHS practices are more systematic and conscious. As these companies have to meet not only legal obligations but also international standards, they adopt a more holistic and sustainable approach. However, we often see that OHS is seen as a “must”, especially in small and medium-sized companies. These companies often take precautions to avoid criminal sanctions or to pass inspection procedures. The personal work discipline and conscience of the employer has a direct impact on their approach to OHS.

How should OHS practices be designed for small textile enterprises compared to large enterprises? Do you have any specific suggestions for them?

Occupational health and safety (OHS) practices are not studies that can be done once and then passed. It is an ongoing process and needs to be updated and reviewed regularly. Occupational health and safety practices for small textile enterprises may differ slightly from those of large enterprises. The most important first step for both small and large enterprises is to carry out an effective risk analysis. Small enterprises also need to identify existing risks, prioritise them and develop solutions. As the number of employees in small businesses is small, OHS training can be more personal and interactive. Emergency plans and fire safety can often be overlooked in small businesses, but fire drills and emergency preparations are mandatory in such small facilities. In small businesses, machinery and equipment may be older. This makes regular maintenance and safety checks even more important. Employers are required by law to maintain and regularly check work equipment and installations.