Trend analysis of occupational accidents during 2013-2020 based on various characteristics in Turkey

This study analyzes the role of factors such as gender, age, and work experience on occupational accidents and the sectoral variations in Turkey with official statistics.

The specific aim of this study is to provide an epidemiological basis for gender, age, sector, and professional experience-specific work-related accident prevention programs.

Turkish Social Security Institution's official secondary dataset was considered for 2013 and later because of a change in the official calculation method of the Institution in 2013. Trend analysis was used by using the Mann-Kendall Test to determine the trend in occupational accidents based on time and work experience (month-year).

In the eight sectors considered between 2013 and 2020, including construction, manufacturing, transport, mining, communication, health, electricity, and agriculture, 82% of injured workers were men, with the most accidents occurring in the 25-34 age group (33%). Manufacturing had the highest number of accidents (58.5%), followed by construction (19.4%). Occupational diseases were most common in manufacturing, affecting 73% of men and 63% of women. Accidents occurred mainly in men aged 25-34 (34.2%) and women aged 35-44 (29.3%). Occupational diseases showed a positive, statistically significant trend as work experience increased (p < 0.05). A positive and statistically significant trend was detected in occupational accidents from 2013 to 2020 (Tau = 0.786, p = 0.009).

In countries like Turkey, where informal employment obscures occupational accidents, trend analysis helps increase their visibility. However, discovering that gender, age, and work experience are key factors in sector-specific accidents is crucial for improving safety and developing prevention programs.