Occupational Safety Specialist Appointment Requirement in Türkiye: 2025 Implementation and 2026 Outlook

Based on the Occupational Health and Safety Law No. 6331, employers in Türkiye are subject to comprehensive obligations to appoint occupational safety specialists and workplace physicians. The full application of these requirements will be completed across the public and private sectors by 2026.

Obligated Parties

Obligations by Company Size and Risk Classification

Workplaces with fewer than 50 employees (low-risk class): As of January 1, 2025, employers in this category must either employ or outsource the services of an occupational safety specialist and a workplace physician. Before this date, the compliance deadline was postponed until December 31, 2024.

Workplaces with 50 or more employees: The obligation to appoint safety specialists and occupational physicians already applied to these employers in previous years. By 2025, these requirements were also extended to public institutions.

Public institutions and organizations: Beginning in 2025, public sector entities with more than 50 employees became subject to these rules. From 2026 onward, full compliance became mandatory across the public sector, including low-risk workplaces.

Qualifications of Appointed Specialists

The level of certification required depends on the workplace’s risk classification:

• Highly hazardous class: A-Class Occupational Safety Specialist certificate
• Hazardous class: Minimum B-Class Occupational Safety Specialist certificate
• Low-risk class: Minimum C-Class Occupational Safety Specialist certificate

Occupational safety specialists must be certified by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and hold a degree in engineering, architecture, or a relevant technical discipline.

Compliance Mechanisms

Employers can fulfill their legal obligations through one of the following three methods:

1. Through a Joint Health and Safety Unit (OSGB): outsourcing professional safety and health services
2. Direct employment: hiring full-time occupational safety specialists and workplace physicians
3. Partial responsibility: employers who complete approved training programs from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security may independently perform certain safety-related functions, except for medical examinations and tests. This option is available in both public and private sectors

Legal Sanctions

Failure to comply with the law results in administrative fines and other penalties. As of 2025, the following sanctions apply:

Main Responsibilities and Duties

Occupational safety specialists are responsible to the employer for the following activities:

• Providing guidance and consultancy services
• Conducting or supervising risk assessments
• Monitoring and inspecting the working environment
• Investigating occupational accidents and diseases and developing preventive action plans
• Cooperating with the workplace physician (joint annual work plans, health assessments)
• Supporting employee training, awareness, and record-keeping
• Coordinating with relevant departments

When a serious hazard is identified, the specialist must notify the employer. If corrective action is not taken, the case must be reported to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

Strategic Implications for International Businesses

For multinational companies investing or operating in Türkiye, the compulsory appointment of occupational safety specialists poses both strategic and financial considerations.

Cost Structure

Both OSGB outsourcing and direct employment of certified experts create additional operational costs. For SMEs with fewer than 50 employees, these obligations represent a proportionally heavier burden compared to larger organizations.

Compliance Risk

Due to high monthly penalties for non-compliance, legal risks directly affect profitability. The limited number of certified specialists in the market adds to the complexity of compliance.

Operational Management

Risk classification determines the service scope and cost level. International companies with established global OHS management systems should review and adapt their frameworks to align with Türkiye’s national legal requirements under Law No. 6331.

In summary, 2025 marks a pivotal year for occupational safety compliance in Türkiye, with full legal implementation extending to all sectors by 2026. Early compliance planning, local partnerships with OSGBs, and proper certification processes are key to maintaining sustainable and lawful operations.