In the field of occupational health and safety, the Occupational Health and Safety Law No. 6331 places many duties and responsibilities on employers. However, in order to ensure occupational health and safety, it is not only the employer who is responsible; employees also have their own obligations.

To ensure these responsibilities are met, employers must provide occupational health and safety training to their employees. This training is given before starting work, during workplace or job changes, or when there is a change in equipment. Trainings should be repeated when necessary, in accordance with newly identified risks or emerging hazards. Employees are required to participate in occupational health and safety training and to apply the knowledge gained during the training. According to Law No. 6331, employees are responsible for ensuring that the health and safety of other workers are not compromised after completing their occupational health and safety training.

The responsibilities of employees who have received occupational health and safety training include:

• Employees must use equipment, tools, and machines in the workplace in accordance with the established rules, as per Law No. 6331.

• Employees must use personal protective equipment correctly to protect themselves.

• If an employee encounters a serious security gap or hazard in any area of the workplace, they are obligated to report it to the employer or employee representative.

• During occupational health and safety inspections carried out by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security inspectors, employees must cooperate with the employer and employee representative to address identified deficiencies and violations of regulations.

• Employees should also cooperate with the employer and employee representative to maintain health and safety, even outside of inspections.
• It is prohibited to arrive at work under the influence of alcohol or drugs or to use these substances in the workplace.

Consequences for Non-Compliance with Occupational Health and Safety Rules

According to the occupational health and safety law, employees who fail to comply with health and safety rules may be dismissed without compensation. Government employees who do not fulfill their occupational health and safety responsibilities may face disciplinary penalties, such as warnings, reprimands, or salary deductions.