Occupational Health & Safety Considerations for Suppliers: Risk Analysis, Safety Audits, and the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act

In today's increasingly interconnected global market, compliance with international regulations and standards is essential for businesses to remain competitive. One such regulation, the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act, has significant implications for suppliers worldwide, including those in Turkey. To maintain strong business relationships and ensure adherence to ethical practices, Turkish suppliers must prioritize occupational health and safety (OHS) in their operations. This article will explore the key aspects of OHS in Turkey, focusing on the importance of addressing specific hazards and risks, conducting comprehensive risk analysis and safety audits, and complying with international regulations such as the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act. By understanding and implementing these OHS principles, Turkish suppliers can create safer working environments, demonstrate their commitment to worker wellbeing, and remain competitive in an evolving global market.

Content:

Identification of Hazards in Turkey

Understanding Risk Analysis & Management

Safety Audits

Training in Turkey

Safety Equipment in Turkey

Emergency Preparedness in Turkey

Workplace Ergonomics

Continues Improvement

German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act and Its Importance for Suppliers

The Importance of Human Rights and Sustainability for Turkish Suppliers

Conclusion

Identification of Hazards in Turkey

The first step in guaranteeing workplace safety is identifying potential hazards. Suppliers should perform a comprehensive risk analysis to pinpoint dangers that could harm their employees. While common hazards in warehouses, factories, or plants worldwide include slips, trips and falls, heavy machinery, dangerous chemicals, and electrical hazards, Turkey faces some unique challenges as well. Some of the specific hazards and risks prevalent in Turkey are:

1. Earthquake Risks: Turkey is situated in a seismically active region, with frequent earthquakes posing a significant risk to infrastructure and worker safety. Suppliers should consider the potential impact of earthquakes on their facilities and implement appropriate building standards and safety measures to mitigate risks.
2. Occupational Health Concerns: Turkish industries, particularly those involving manual labor, such as construction, agriculture, and textile manufacturing, are often associated with a higher risk of work-related injuries and health issues. Suppliers should ensure proper safety training, use of personal protective equipment, and adequate healthcare provisions for workers in these sectors.
3. Informal Employment: A considerable number of workers in Turkey are employed informally, which may result in a lack of adherence to safety regulations and labor laws. Suppliers should ensure that all workers are formally employed and receive the appropriate safety training and protections required by law.
4. Refugee Workers: Turkey hosts a large number of refugees, many of whom have entered the workforce. These workers may face language barriers, lack of safety training, and unfamiliarity with local regulations. Suppliers employing refugee workers should provide additional support, such as language training, cultural orientation, and specialized safety training, to ensure their well-being and integration into the workforce.
5. Mining Industry Hazards: The mining industry in Turkey has historically faced safety challenges, with incidents such as mine collapses and explosions. Suppliers in this sector should prioritize safety by investing in modern technology, conducting regular safety audits, and implementing strict safety protocols to protect workers.

By addressing these specific hazards and risks prevalent in Turkey, alongside the common hazards found in warehouses, factories, or plants, suppliers can create a safer working environment for their employees and mitigate potential risks.

Understanding Risk Analysis & Management

Risk analysis involves assessing the likelihood and potential impact of various risks arising from workplace conditions or work execution. A thorough risk analysis typically consists of the following steps:

1. Hazard identification: Suppliers must systematically identify all potential hazards in their facilities, including those related to equipment, processes, and human factors.
2. Risk assessment: Suppliers should evaluate the risk levels associated with each identified hazard, considering factors such as the likelihood of occurrence, the severity of potential consequences, and the effectiveness of existing control measures.
3. Risk control: Suppliers need to implement appropriate control measures to eliminate or minimize risks. These may include engineering controls (e.g., machine guards), administrative controls (e.g., policies and procedures), or personal protective equipment (PPE).
4. Risk monitoring and review: Suppliers must regularly review and update their risk assessments to account for changes in operations or the work environment, as well as to ensure the effectiveness of implemented controls.

Safety Audits

Conducting regular safety audits is a vital aspect of ensuring workplace safety. Safety audits are systematic, independent evaluations of workplace safety programs, policies, and procedures. These audits help identify any safety issues that need resolution and measure the effectiveness of existing safety measures. The following are some key components of a comprehensive safety audit:

1. Document review: Auditors should review relevant safety documents, such as policies, procedures, training records, and incident reports, to assess compliance with applicable regulations and industry standards.
2. Site inspections: Auditors should conduct walk-through inspections of facilities to identify potential hazards, evaluate control measures, and assess overall workplace safety conditions.
3. Employee interviews: Auditors should interview employees at all levels of the organization to gather information on their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to workplace safety.
4. Corrective action planning: Based on the audit findings, suppliers should develop and implement corrective action plans to address identified safety issues and enhance overall workplace safety.

Training in Turkey

After identifying hazards and conducting risk analysis, it is essential to train workers on the necessary precautions to avoid accidents. This may involve on-the-job training, safety drills, and providing access to relevant safety literature. A well-trained workforce can help prevent accidents and save lives.

In the context of Turkey, suppliers need to tailor their training programs to address the specific hazards and risks prevalent in the country. This may involve offering training in multiple languages, considering the diverse workforce that includes local and refugee employees. Additionally, suppliers should collaborate with local OHS organizations and government agencies to ensure that their training programs align with national regulations and best practices. By providing training that considers Turkey's unique challenges, suppliers can help their workforce prevent accidents and save lives.

Safety Equipment in Turkey

Another crucial factor that suppliers must address is the provision of safety equipment. Workers exposed to dangerous machines or chemicals must have access to protective gear such as gloves, safety goggles, and face shields. Suppliers should also ensure that all safety equipment undergoes regular maintenance and inspections to guarantee its effectiveness.

Turkish suppliers must address the provision of safety equipment in line with local regulations and industry-specific requirements. For example, the textile industry, which is a major sector in Turkey, may necessitate the use of protective clothing, respiratory masks, and noise-canceling earplugs to protect workers from harmful chemicals, dust, and noise. Suppliers should collaborate with local authorities and OHS organizations to ensure that the safety equipment they provide meets or exceeds local standards. Regular maintenance and inspections of safety equipment are essential to guarantee its effectiveness and compliance with regulations.

Emergency Preparedness

In the unfortunate event of an accident, suppliers must have a comprehensive emergency response plan in place. This may include an evacuation plan, first aid supplies, and medical equipment. When such safety measures are implemented, workers can trust that their safety is a top priority for their employer.

Given Turkey's location in a seismically active region, emergency preparedness plans should account for earthquake-related incidents. Suppliers should develop and implement comprehensive evacuation plans that consider structural vulnerabilities and potential hazards during an earthquake. Collaboration with local authorities and emergency response organizations such as AKUT Arama Kurtarma Derne?i can help suppliers create effective plans that prioritize worker safety. Suppliers should also ensure that their facilities are equipped with first aid supplies and medical equipment appropriate for the specific risks associated with their industry.

Workplace Ergonomics

An often-overlooked aspect of occupational safety is workplace ergonomics, which focuses on the design of workspaces, tools, and equipment to minimize physical strain on workers. Poor ergonomics can lead to musculoskeletal disorders, fatigue, and decreased productivity. Suppliers should conduct ergonomic assessments to identify areas for improvement and implement changes to reduce the risk of injury and improve worker comfort.

Workplace ergonomics is particularly relevant in Turkey due to the prevalence of labor-intensive industries such as textiles, construction, and agriculture. Suppliers should work with local OHS experts and organizations to conduct ergonomic assessments and implement improvements that cater to the specific needs of their workforce. This may include adjusting workstations, providing ergonomic tools, and offering regular breaks to minimize the risk of musculoskeletal disorders, fatigue, and decreased productivity.

Continuous Improvement

Turkish suppliers should embrace a culture of continuous improvement, regularly reviewing and updating their safety policies, procedures, and training materials. This is especially important given the evolving regulatory landscape, both domestically and internationally. Suppliers should stay informed about changes in Turkish labor laws, as well as international regulations such as the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act. By fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement, suppliers can minimize the risk of accidents, demonstrate their commitment to worker wellbeing, and maintain their competitiveness in the global market.

German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act and Its Importance for Suppliers

The German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (Lieferkettengesetz) requires companies operating in Germany to ensure that their global supply chains adhere to human rights and environmental standards. This legislation emphasizes the importance of OHS, as it obliges suppliers to implement robust safety measures and demonstrate compliance with international labor and environmental standards. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines, legal consequences, and reputational damage, emphasizing the need for suppliers to prioritize OHS in their operations.

Although the act directly affects companies operating in Germany, its implications extend to suppliers worldwide, as German companies must ensure their suppliers meet the required standards. Even if a supplier is not directly affected by the law, maintaining high standards of OHS is crucial for retaining German customers and remaining competitive in the global market. By adhering to international OHS regulations and best practices, suppliers can not only avoid penalties and reputational damage but also position themselves as responsible and reliable partners for German companies.

The Importance of Human Rights and Sustainability for Turkish Suppliers

As global attention on human rights and sustainability intensifies, Turkish suppliers must pay extra attention to these issues if they want to remain relevant in the coming years. This includes adopting responsible sourcing practices, ensuring fair labor conditions, and implementing environmentally sustainable operations. By prioritizing human rights and sustainability, Turkish suppliers can not only comply with international regulations such as the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act but also attract and retain valuable business partners who are increasingly concerned about ethical and sustainable sourcing.

For suppliers not directly affected by the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act, it is still essential to prioritize OHS and other human rights and sustainability factors. Demonstrating a commitment to these principles will signal to German companies and other potential customers that the supplier is reliable and upholds high ethical standards. In a global market where consumers and businesses are becoming more conscious of their supply chain's impact, suppliers that invest in OHS and sustainability will have a competitive advantage and be more likely to maintain long-term business relationships with their customers.

The German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act serves as an important reminder for suppliers worldwide to prioritize OHS, human rights, and sustainability in their operations. By doing so, suppliers not only ensure compliance with international regulations but also demonstrate their commitment to ethical business practices and secure their position as reliable partners for companies that value responsible sourcing. For Turkish suppliers, this is especially crucial, as demonstrating commitment to these principles can help them retain valuable business partners and remain competitive in an increasingly conscious global market.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ensuring workplace safety and compliance with international OHS regulations, human rights, and sustainability standards is crucial for Turkish suppliers. By addressing specific hazards and risks unique to Turkey, such as earthquake risks, occupational health concerns, informal employment, refugee workers, and mining industry hazards, suppliers can create a safer working environment for their employees and mitigate potential risks.

Adherence to international regulations such as the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act is essential not only for regulatory compliance but also for maintaining strong business relationships with German companies and other international partners who prioritize ethical and sustainable sourcing. Turkish suppliers that invest in comprehensive risk analysis and management, regular safety audits, tailored training programs, adequate safety equipment, emergency preparedness plans, workplace ergonomics, and continuous improvement will be better positioned to thrive in an increasingly conscious global market.

By fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement, Turkish suppliers can demonstrate their commitment to worker wellbeing, comply with international regulations, and maintain their competitiveness. Embracing these principles is essential for both suppliers directly affected by regulations like the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act and those who wish to attract and retain valuable business partners in the ever-evolving global market.

Authors:

This article was prepared by Ba?ak Bizden and Sven K?ksal . Please do not hesitate to reach out in case of further questions.