Comparative investigation and evaluation of occupational safety professional trainings in mining sector

Significant changes occurred in work force, social structure, production rate and process and economy due to the use of new energy sources by Industrial Revolution that began in England in the 18th century. During the transition period from labor and intensive business process to mass production of machinery and equipment, in 20th century, working life have been confronted with occupational accidents, occupational diseases and environmental problems. Today, the issue of occupational health and safety is considered as ongoing global problem. It is known that this issue arises from rapid industrial and agricultural developments especially in developing countries. In addition to the positive contribution of technological developments to human life, risks arising from the work are carried out by the employees. While many of countries are shifting from labor and intensive processes to mechanization in the manufacturing, mining and agricultural sectors depending upon developments, it is important that the potential occupational health and safety problems can be avoided before they occur. In our country, important structural arrangements have been made in the field of OHS in recent years. Although many positive developments have been made in this process which started with the entry into force of Law No: 6331, occupational accidents and diseases continue to be experienced. As it is known, catastrophic accidents occurred in mining sector in recent years. Therefore, in Turkey, occupational health and safety conditions in mining sector needs to be improved quickly. One of the most important elements in establishing OHS at work is occupational safety experts. In this sense, demand for a well-trained and qualified man-power increases steadily. Today, in developed countries as in all occupational groups, there is a tendency to specialize in a specific subject in the field of occupational safety expertise. In this thesis, occupational safety professionals training and certification systems applied in US, Australia and China, where mining activities are performed safely and efficiently, are compared with the current situation in our country. Information is given on the functioning and content of occupational safety expertise in those countries. The difference between the system in our country and the systems in other countries has been revealed. As a result, model recommendations have been developed on sectoral occupational safety professional in the mining sector.