The Relationship between Privatization and Occupational Safety in Coal Industryin Turkey; A Statistical Review of Coal Mine Accidents

Aims: The purpose of the article is to examine the causes of the increase in work-related accidents in the coal mining industry in Turkey. Furthermore, the article aims to investigate the impact of private sector employment and privatization process to occupational health and safety conditions in coal mining industry in Turkey
Study Design: The data used in the study are prepared by using the official occupational accident statistics taken from Turkish Social Security Institution and the tables that present the sectoral contribution of the insured workers. The number of recorded official occupational accidents, number of insured workers and number of workers who work for private and public sector are used to make comments on the data. Occupational accident rates per sector are calculated on the basis of years.
Methodology: In this study, occupational accidents, accident rates, standardized occupational accidents rates and changes of insured workers of private and public sector were investigated in the coal mining industry. Outsourcing, privatization and growth rates of private sector employment in coal mining sector were compared with the increase of standardized occupational accident rates, and its impact on accidents in coal mining was investigated.
Results: The rate of the employees of private sector in coal mining increased from 31% to 75% in the period of last 12 years. On the other hand, occupational accidents increased rapidly in coal mining sector since 2004 in comparison with the other sectors. Since 1992, 11 of 12 great accidents occurred in the coal mines that are operated by private sector enterprises and 937 workers died due to firedamp explosions and fires. Most of the coal mines are operated by lessee private sector enterprises, however, coal production is made without taking adequate measures in the basins. This poor conditions leads to great industrial accidents that resulting death of the workers.
Conclusion: Occupational accidents in coal mines cannot decrease unless making new regulations. Turkey needs a new mining sector strategy from the point of need for the sector and economic losses caused by occupational accidents. Thus, Turkey must sign the “Safety and Health in Mines Convention” (No. 176) of ILO firstly and an action plan, that defines the existing conditions and measures, must be developed and applied as in the USA and China. Occupational accidents and deaths is related with using modern systems and technologies used in the mines. Performing risk analysis showing the existing conditions in coal mines is very important. According the results of risk analysis, the mine pits with the poor conditions must be closed or must be taken necessary preventive measures.