Determination of occupational health and work accident diversity among employees of the gurpinar (İstanbul) seafood wholesale market

This study aimed to determine the health problems, occupational health and safety (OHS) conditions, OHS knowledge levels, occupational risk perceptions, and some socio-demographic characteristics of employees working at one of Turkey's largest seafood markets, İstanbul Gürpınar Seafood Market. For this purpose, a survey was administered to a total of 100 employees. It was found that the majority of the employees, 85% of whom were male, were aged between 30 and 49 (85%), 86% were married, and 35% were university graduates. Most employees (75%) earned their entire income from the fish market. Homeownership rate was 57%, and car ownership was 58%; however, when income satisfaction was examined, only 20% stated that they were satisfied with their salary. The union membership rate of 73% indicates high awareness of rights, yet it is noteworthy that 18% of the workforce was distant from social organization. In addition to their occupational duties, a large portion of employees also bear caregiving responsibilities for children and elderly individuals, which is considered a factor increasing the risk of burnout. From an OHS perspective, 45% of employees stated that their work negatively affected their health, and 9% reported having experienced a work accident in the past. The rate of chronic diseases was 21%, and the most common health problems were identified as back, waist, and knee pains (70.4%). Among the participants, 56% were smokers, and 17% consumed both alcohol and cigarettes. When evaluating OHS practices, only 32% of employees described the existing conditions as "good" or "very good"; 46% rated them as "moderate," and 22% as "poor." The rate of employees involved in work outside of working hours was 55%, which stands out as an important issue concerning work-life balance. The proportion of those working 11–12 hours daily was 40%. The overall job satisfaction level among employees was moderate; 52% expressed that they were satisfied or very satisfied with their job. Occupational health and safety policies should not be limited to technical measures alone; socioeconomic conditions, psychosocial support, and institutional improvement mechanisms should be addressed in a holistic manner.