Effects of occupational health and safety culture on work accidents in the textile industry

The textile sector is one of the world's oldest and largest industries, employing millions of people and making significant contributions to the global economy. However, the textile production process involves numerous risks, such as intensive physical labor, exposure to chemical substances, and mechanical hazards. This situation brings occupational health and safety (OHS) to the forefront as a critical concern in the sector. Ensuring workers' safety and preventing occupational accidents and diseases not only enhance employee well-being but also positively affect productivity, quality, and labor efficiency. Occupational accidents remain a serious issue in the textile sector. In particular, in textile enterprises located in developing countries, the lack of sufficient adoption of safety measures and weak OHS culture increase the frequency and severity of workplace accidents. Preventing accidents requires not only technical safety measures but also a strong organizational culture of occupational health and safety. OHS culture is a concept that shapes employees' perceptions, behaviors, and awareness regarding workplace safety. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of occupational health and safety culture on occupational accidents in the textile sector. It is hypothesized that in organizations where OHS culture is well-established, the likelihood of employees experiencing workplace accidents is lower. In this context, it is expected that in organizations with a strong OHS culture, the incidence of workplace accidents will decrease, employees will show greater compliance with safety regulations, and a safe working environment will be ensured. In this regard, the causes of workplace accidents in the textile sector, the development of OHS culture in workplaces, and the effect of this culture on reducing accidents will be discussed. The scope of the study is based on data collection through surveys and interviews conducted in various enterprises within the textile sector. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of OHS culture in preventing workplace accidents and provide recommendations on how to strengthen this culture. However, the limitations of the study include factors such as the impact of different business sizes and geographical regions on OHS practices. In conclusion, this thesis aims to reveal the importance of occupational health and safety culture in preventing workplace accidents in the textile sector. The role of a strong OHS culture in reducing accidents and the strategies for its development constitute the primary focus of the study.