Problems encountered by school principals in occupational health and safety practices and solution suggestions (Hakkari province example)

The aim of this study is to identify the measures taken by school principals in Hakkari province and its districts regarding occupational health and safety in schools, the challenges they face in this context, and their proposed solutions to these issues. A mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative research methods, was used. The research design used was the concurrent model, one of the models used in mixed-methods research. The sample of the study consists of a total of 139 school principals working in various types of public schools in Hakkari province and its districts during the 2023-2024 academic year. The "Occupational Health and Safety Problems and Solutions Inventory for School Principals" was used as the data collection tool. Data analysis included independent samples t-test, ANOVA, and content analysis. The results of the study revealed that, despite measures being taken in areas such as emergency and fire safety, electrical hazards, cleaning and maintenance practices, OHS training, physical arrangements, and boiler room safety, significant deficiencies still exist. Specifically, inadequacies in emergency plans, improper storage of cleaning materials, and shortcomings in ergonomic practices were identified. It was observed that female principals faced greater challenges in the field of OHS, although no significant differences were found between genders in terms of safety measures. Significant differences were identified in safety measures based on residential areas and seniority groups. Moreover, it was found that safety measures were more comprehensive in larger schools. The solution proposals of the principals were categorized under the themes of training, physical improvements, process organization, psychological support, and social projects.