Examination of occupational health and safety policies in strategic plans of universities in developed and developing countries

This study aims to examine how occupational health and safety (OHS) policies are addressed in the strategic plans of universities in developed and developing countries, and to reveal the similarities and differences of these policies. The research was conducted using document analysis, one of the qualitative research methods. The documents consisted of the strategic plans of six universities from developed countries and six universities from developing countries. Content analysis was applied, and the selected strategic plans were evaluated within the framework of themes and codes. The analysis revealed that OHS is addressed under three main themes: the inclusion of OHS in strategic plans (T1), OHS implementation strategies and management approaches (T2), and the relationship between OHS policies, sustainability, and social responsibility (T5). The findings indicated that universities in developed countries integrate OHS policies mainly with inclusiveness, psychosocial safety, diversity management, staff well-being, and sustainability vision. In contrast, universities in developing countries address OHS primarily in terms of physical safety, infrastructure improvements, and preventive health services. In both groups, however, the common emphasis was on creating a "healthy and safe working environment." In conclusion, universities in developed countries reflect OHS policies in their strategic plans with a more holistic, value-oriented, and sustainability-focused approach, while universities in developing countries address OHS mainly within the framework of basic safety and regulatory compliance. This demonstrates that OHS in higher education institutions is not only a legal requirement but also a policy domain integrated with organizational culture and sustainability vision. Keywords: Occupational Health and Safety, Strategic Planning in Public Institutions, Strategic Planning, University