Shipyard fatalities in Turkey

The objective of this paper is to investigate causes and incidence rates of 115 fatalities between 2000 and 2010 in Turkish shipyards and to propose mitigation measures. The fatality rate in Turkish shipbuilding industry is unacceptably high, being 3.5 times the average of all industry groups. Classification of fatal occupational accidents revealed five major fatality reasons for the shipbuilding industry; falling from higher elevation to a lower level, exposed to electric shock, fire and/or explosion, being struck by or struck against objects, and caught in between. The highest number of cases of fatal accidents was found among welders, blasters, painters and substructure workers. Statistically analyzed data showed that working on Mondays and Saturdays have special impact on the fatality probability. Also, the number of fatalities is highest in working temperatures above average 25 °C, which covers from June through September. Strategies recommended to minimize the fatalities at shipyards are discussed. Furthermore a risk framework of fatal occupational accidents were drawn so that when working conditions are within the high risk region, extra precautions can be taken in order to minimize the occurrence of accidents and fatalities.

► Causes to 115 fatalities between 2000 and 2010 in Turkish shipyards were investigated.
► Classification of fatal occupational accidents revealed five major fatality reasons for Turkish shipbuilding industry.
► The highest number of cases of fatal accidents was found among welders, blasters, painters and substructure workers.
► Working on Mondays and Saturdays, and temperatures above average 25 °C have special impact on the fatalities.
► Risk frameworks of fatal occupational accidents were drawn.