No Safe Haven: The Importance of Occupational Health and Safety Culture
Occupational health and safety experts in Cyprus are emphasizing the importance of establishing a culture of OHS in the country to prevent workplace accidents and promote the well-being of workers. Gülcan Kulle Yalınca and Niyazi Yurtseven, members of the Union of Chambers of Turkish Cypriot Engineers and Architects (KTMMOB) IMO Occupational Health and Safety Committee, recently spoke to Turkish Agency Cyprus (TAK) correspondent about the need for a stronger focus on OHS practices.
Yalınca warned that without a culture of occupational health and safety, there can be no safe place in the country. She highlighted the resistance from the business world towards building inspection and OHS practices, attributing it to a lack of respect for human rights and a missing occupational health and safety culture. Yalınca stressed the importance of implementing existing laws and regulations to prevent accidents, especially in high-risk workplaces like construction sites.
Yurtseven echoed Yalınca’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for the state to lead by example by implementing OHS rules within its own institutions. He questioned how many departments currently have OHS practices or have trained their staff, pointing out the importance of training and orientation for all workers, including the 3rd national workforce.
Both experts discussed the results of the recent “Occupational Health and Safety Workshop” and the road map for future OHS practices in the country. They highlighted the importance of stakeholders taking responsibility and working together to create safer and healthier work environments. The aim is to increase awareness, capacity, and compliance with OHS regulations to prevent accidents and protect workers’ rights.
Overall, the message from these experts is clear: establishing a strong occupational health and safety culture is essential for creating a safe and secure workplace for all employees. By prioritizing OHS practices and regulations, Cyprus can work towards reducing accidents, improving employee well-being, and increasing productivity in the workplace.
