A study of the shift in fatal construction work-related accidents during 2012–2019 in Turkey

Objectives. The construction sector is one of the sectors with the highest number of occupational accidents and diseases in the world in terms of working conditions. According to the ‘Communiqué on Occupational Hazard Classes on Occupational Health and Safety’ related to Occupational Health and Safety Law No. 6331, the construction sector is considered a ‘very dangerous works’ class. Methods. Occupational accidents that occurred between 2012 and 2019 are examined according to occupational groups, working environments, etc. Feature importance and Kendall, Pearson and Spearman correlations were used for analysis. Results. From the studies, it is determined that fatal accidents in the construction sector in Turkey are caused by falling from height with a high rate. When the correlation values were examined, it was determined that the column ‘accident type’ had a negative relationship with the ‘injured part of the body’ and a positive relationship with the ‘accident environment’ column. Conclusion. A total 51% of 3517 fatal accidents examined occurred in the construction of buildings. Most deaths in the construction sector in Turkey are caused by falling from height, like many countries (41.6%). Statistics shows that despite the relevant regulations, the construction sector in Turkey is seen as a weak safety culture.