Work Accidents Continue: Two More Workers Lose Their Lives

Worker Falls to His Death

On October 9, 35-year-old Muhammad Asıf fell into a 3.5-meter deep pit while working at a construction site in İskele. Despite efforts to save him, Asıf passed away the following day. This fatal accident brings renewed attention to one of the most common causes of work-related deaths: falls from height.

Construction Rebar Falls and Kills Worker

The following day, on October 10, 27-year-old Muhammad Waleed was killed after being struck on the head by a construction rebar. The incident occurred when a rebar, lowered from the third floor of a construction site to the ground floor by a lifting rope, slipped and fell onto Waleed’s head.

Güvenç Yüksel: Accidents Continue Due to Insufficient Measures

Workplace health and safety expert Güvenç Yüksel pointed out that workplace accidents are continuing due to insufficient safety precautions. He stressed that safety cannot be ensured through inspections alone, and that employers are also responsible for the well-being of their workers. “All employers must make the necessary arrangements. There is much work to be done in the workplace,” he stated.

Legal Gaps Contributing to the Problem

Yüksel also mentioned that the implementation of workplace safety laws is complicated by illegal construction projects and legal loopholes. “It is not enough to apply the law; control, record-keeping, and full compliance with legal regulations must be ensured. All stakeholders have significant responsibilities. No employer wants their worker to die, yet necessary precautions are not being taken,” he said.

Lack of Training and Inspections Is a Major Issue

Yüksel also emphasized that employees must be properly monitored and assigned to tasks they are trained for. One of the biggest reasons for accidents, he added, is the language barrier. Many workers who are unfamiliar with construction work begin laboring under the assumption that they can do "any job," leading to serious problems. “Workers are not being trained, and they don’t understand health and safety. Employers must take responsibility and educate their workers,” he said.

Yüksel Calls for Certification for Foreign Workers

Yüksel raised concerns about foreign workers starting work without proper certification, calling for increased state inspections in this regard. “The state should demand certification from workers coming from abroad, or they should undergo general training before being allowed to work,” he added.

Social Media Outcry Over Workers Without Equipment

Meanwhile, the public’s concern over the lack of safety measures is gaining traction on social media. Images of workers operating without essential protective gear, such as safety helmets and harnesses, have gone viral, drawing widespread outrage. These posts are shedding light on why work accidents continue to happen so frequently.