The OSH Approach at EFG Elektrik with Fahri Burak Baysal

EFG Elektrik Occupational Safety and Health Specialist Fahri Burak Baysal said that occupational safety and health is not merely a matter of rules, but can become a culture when employees apply safety rules on their own initiative. Baysal emphasized that, particularly in manufacturing environments, habits can lead to risks being overlooked, and conveyed the message, “No job is more important than your health.”

Baysal, a Class B occupational safety specialist who has been working at EFG Elektrik for about a year, defined occupational health and safety as a comprehensive set of scientific studies aimed at eliminating hazards employees may encounter or minimizing the harm these hazards could cause.

THE “IT WON’T HAPPEN TO ME” MENTALITY IS ONE OF THE GREATEST RISKS

Noting that habits are among the most overlooked critical factors in manufacturing environments, Baysal said that employees performing their jobs the same way for a long time can sometimes lead to risks being overlooked.

Stating that the “I do this job this way; nothing will happen to me” mindset is a significant indicator that risks are being ignored, Baysal emphasized that the fact that no accident has occurred in a job so far does not mean that the job is safe.

AN EMPATHETIC APPROACH TO OHS AWARENESS

Baysal noted that simply explaining instructions and procedures may not be sufficient to increase safety awareness among employees, and stressed the importance of helping employees visualize the consequences of potential risks in a more concrete way.

Baysal explained that transparently sharing visuals and statistics of previous workplace accidents involving the same machine with employees helps them understand how a potential accident could unfold, adding that this method enables employees to better assess the potential consequences of their own behavior.

“OHS MUST BECOME A CULTURE”

Baysal noted that it is possible for occupational health and safety to become an integral part of workplace culture, adding that the behavior of employers and managers on the shop floor is also crucial in this process.

Baysal noted that when managers go out into the field, their use of personal protective equipment, department managers’ checks of emergency stop systems, and their communication of identified deficiencies to employees create significant awareness, and he stated that this approach is also effective in influencing employees.

Baysal said that the true culture is formed when employees adhere to occupational safety rules on their own, even when their supervisors are not present.

THE EMPLOYEE’S PERSPECTIVE IS CHANGING

Baysal noted that there has been a shift in employees’ perspective toward occupational safety and health (OSH) specialists in recent years, adding that young employees, in particular, have begun asking more questions about workplace safety.

Baysal noted that employees now view occupational safety and health specialists not merely as people who “halt work,” but as solution partners who prioritize their rights and safety; he added that they are receiving more questions from employees on topics such as the risk of machinery-related injuries, chemical exposure, and occupational diseases.

SAFETY AND PRODUCTION ARE NOT SEPARATE

Emphasizing that there should be no trade-off between production pressure and workplace safety, Baysal said that unsafe production is not sustainable in the long term.

Noting that fast but unsafe production might seem appealing in the short term, Baysal pointed out that workplace accidents can lead to lost workdays, staff shortages, financial compensation, and, most importantly, moral consequences.

Stating that an unsafe work environment would also lead to production losses in the long term, Baysal said, “Balancing the two will ensure both safe and fast production.”

IT IS A SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENT WHEN WORKERS RECOGNIZE THEIR OWN RISKS

Baysal noted that what makes him happiest on-site is when employees recognize risks on their own, adding that it is a significant achievement when an employee reports a risk they encounter to an OSH specialist.

Baysal emphasized that workers must use personal protective equipment without needing to be reminded and, more importantly, be aware that they have the right to refuse work in a risky situation, noting that this is one of the key indicators of a well-established OSH culture.

Baysal also touched on the types of risks encountered at the EFG Elektrik worksite, noting that ergonomic risks are particularly prominent.

He pointed out that, in addition to ergonomic risks, the risk of falls from heights and risks associated with electrical work are among the primary issues requiring attention on the worksite.

“OHS IS A VERY BROAD FIELD”

Addressing young people interested in pursuing a career in occupational health and safety, Baysal said that OHS offers a broad field of work spanning various sectors.

Noting that the profession may seem challenging at first glance due to its heavy responsibilities, Baysal stated that an OSH approach effectively implemented with employer support can make the profession more attractive.

Highlighting that OSH offers opportunities to work in a wide variety of sectors, Baysal noted that working in different fields also contributes to professional development.

“NO JOB IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN YOUR HEALTH”

Baysal delivered a clear message to workers in the manufacturing sector:

“No job is more important than your health.”

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