WHAT IS HSE?

In recent years, the subject of Occupational Health and Safety has gained significant importance due to industrial accidents resulting in disability or fatality, successfully creating a broader social awareness. The concept of HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) refers to the integration of practices and inspections—supported by laws and regulations—designed to protect employees, the environment, and others who may be affected by work activities.

Occupational safety can be defined as the measures taken to ensure employee security and to maintain work under healthy and safe conditions. As a discipline, Occupational Health and Safety encompasses methodical studies aimed at protecting employees from hazards arising from operational processes and conditions that may harm their health, while fostering a safer working environment. Broadly, this science covers not only the protection of the worker but also the workplace, its affiliates, and the surrounding environment.

In detail, Occupational Health and Safety is a science that aims to implement necessary measures and fulfill requirements to prevent risks of industrial accidents and occupational diseases. The provision of all necessary resources—including tools, equipment, plans, and procedures—is inherently the responsibility of the employer. Furthermore, specific duties are assigned to responsible workers and supervisors. Scientifically, HSE draws from the fields of medicine, law, sociology, psychology, and economics. Its legal foundation is built upon frameworks such as the Occupational Health and Safety Law No. 6331, the Social Security Law No. 506, the Turkish Penal Code, environmental legislation, the Turkish Commercial Code, the Code of Obligations, and the Trade Unions Law.

Regarding worker health and safety, ergonomic conditions and industrial hygiene factors are fundamental to many operational issues. Factors such as excessive heat and humidity, unpleasant odors, poor air quality, inadequate lighting for the task, high noise levels, insufficient breaks, decreased concentration during night shifts, excessive or inadequate work tempos, activities that overstrain the body or specific limbs, and heavy labor conditions are among these critical concerns.

Occupational Health and Safety specialists play a vital role in auditing HSE principles and providing guidance. Their responsibilities are particularly high in sectors classified as "Very Hazardous," such as construction and mining. Specialists are also increasingly active in "Hazardous" and "Less Hazardous" sectors, such as textiles and education. The mandatory employment of these specialists is determined by law, taking into account the number of employees and the hazard level of the sector.

Employees dedicate their lives to their factories and companies. Therefore, workplace health conditions must be audited at the highest level, and working environments must be brought to the required standards.

The primary objective must be to transform Occupational Health and Safety into a Safety Culture to prevent industrial accidents, fatalities, disabilities, and injuries. The entire system should be designed around the establishment of this culture.