The 21st “MİSGEP Mining Sector Consultation Meeting” Held in Ankara
Within the scope of MİSGEP, implemented by the Directorate General of Occupational Health and Safety (İSGGM) and co-financed by the European Union and the Republic of Turkey, the 21st session of the “MİSGEP Mining Sector Consultation Meetings” was held in Ankara. The meetings aim to improve occupational health and safety (OHS) conditions in mining workplaces and increase awareness across 25 provinces in seven regions of Turkey. The event was attended by Ankara Governor Vasip ŞAHİN, Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Security Prof. Dr. Lutfihak ALPKAN, Director General of Occupational Health and Safety Cafer UZUNKAYA, EU Delegation to Turkey Sector Manager Mehmet Caner DEMİR, representatives from the Directorate General of Occupational Health and Safety, stakeholder institutions, OHS service providers (OSGBs), NGOs, and private sector organizations operating in the mining field.
In his opening remarks, Ankara Governor Vasip ŞAHİN stated, “The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has made significant progress in the field of occupational health and safety. With the policies and strategies implemented, Turkey has reached a new milestone in this area. Through such meetings, the awareness being created will continue to grow and strengthen.”
Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Security Prof. Dr. Lutfihak ALPKAN emphasized, “MİSGEP is a clear indication of how much importance our Ministry attaches to occupational health and safety.” He highlighted that in addition to capacity building and awareness-raising activities under MİSGEP, the Grant, Financial Support, and Guidance Programs have reached thousands of mine workers, helping to establish a culture of safety. Prof. ALPKAN further noted that since the project’s launch in April, approximately 2.5 million Turkish Lira in support has been provided to 80 workplaces for the assignment of OHS professionals. He concluded by stressing that reducing workplace accidents and combating occupational diseases are shared responsibilities of the Ministry, social partners, NGOs, employers, employees, and OHS professionals alike.
Director General of Occupational Health and Safety Cafer UZUNKAYA stated that the Directorate continues to stand by both employees and employers, as it did before and during the pandemic. Emphasizing the value of human life, he noted that OHS is one of the most crucial issues that must always be prioritized. “Through these meetings, hosted by our Governors, we aim to raise awareness about occupational health and safety not only in the mining sector but also among all stakeholders in our provinces. The Occupational Health and Safety Law No. 6331 applies to both public and private sector workplaces. OHS is not only about preventing accidents—it also means ensuring that employees go to work happily, work safely, and contribute productively,” he said.
During the consultation session, MİSGEP Team Leader Gökhan GÜLER and Dr. Hacer KAYHAN shared insights with participants on global practices in occupational health and safety in the mining sector, legal obligations related to mining and administrative fines, post-accident compensation, the impact of unionization on OHS, pneumoconiosis as one of the most common occupational diseases, and the costs and benefits of accident prevention. Participants’ feedback was collected after each discussion topic, fostering an open exchange of ideas.
