Search and rescue operations and occupational safety in disaster and emergency situations

Disasters and emergencies are among the unexpected events that societies and organizations may encounter. The goal of disaster management is to take the necessary precautions and measures to minimize losses before, during, and after a disaster. The most significant earthquakes after the 1999 Marmara Earthquake were the Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes, which occurred on February 6, 2023, at 04:17 and 13:24. Disaster management and search and rescue operations during these events have posed a significant challenge for the country in terms of occupational safety, revealing both sufficient and insufficient aspects of disaster management. Ensuring the safety of both the disaster victims and the rescue team members is as important as reaching the victims quickly. At this point, considering occupational safety principles during and after a disaster is essential to prevent potential accidents during and after search and rescue operations. The aim of this study is to assess Türkiye's current disaster management system and post-earthquake occupational safety practices, identify the problems encountered, and offer suggestions for improvement in this field.