Trends and determinants of occupational accidents in the paper products manufacturing sector of türkiye: A two-decade sectoral analysis.

Abstract

BackgroundThe Paper and Paper Products Manufacturing Sector (PPMS) in Türkiye faces unique occupational health and safety (OHS) challenges, ranging from chemical exposures to heavy machinery hazards. Although OHS Law No. 6331 aimed to modernize the national safety framework, its specific impact on the PPMS remains to be fully quantified through long-term empirical data.ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Law No. 6331 within the PPMS by conducting a 22-year longitudinal analysis (2002-2023), specifically comparing accident frequency, severity, and probability rates between the pre-enactment and post-enactment periods.MethodsAccident rates (AFR, ASR, and APR) derived from Social Security Institution SGK data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0. Statistical evaluations included Shapiro-Wilk for normality, Independent Samples T-Tests for period comparisons, and Pearson Correlation for employment-accident relationships, with significance set at p < 0.05.ResultsThe findings reveal that while Law No. 6331 contributed to a 19% reduction in fatal accidents in the PPMS, non-fatal accidents increased by 178%, significantly driven by reporting formalization. Statistical analysis showed a significant rise in AFR and APR (p < 0.001), whereas ASR values remained stagnant (p = 0.918), indicating persistent injury severity. A strong positive correlation (r = 0.94) was identified between insured workforce expansion and total accidents.ConclusionThe study highlights that generic regulations fail to address the specific risks of the PPMS. To reduce persistent severity rates, we advocate for a shift from passive compliance to proactive systems, such as mandatory ISO 45001 certification and Safety by Design models.