Trend analysis of occupational accidents during 2013-2020 based on various characteristics in Turkey

Background: This study analyzes the role of factors such as gender, age, and work experience on occupational accidents and the sectoral variations in Turkey with official statistics. Objective: The specific aim of this study is to provide an epidemiological basis for gender, age, sector, and professional experience-specific work-related accident prevention programs. Methods: Turkish Social Security Institution's official secondary dataset was considered for 2013 and later because of a change in the official calculation method of the Institution in 2013. Trend analysis was used by using the Mann-Kendall Test to determine the trend in occupational accidents based on time and work experience (month-year). Results: In the eight sectors considered between 2013 and 2020, including construction, manufacturing, transport, mining, communication, health, electricity, and agriculture, 82% of injured workers were men, with the most accidents occurring in the 25-34 age group (33%). Manufacturing had the highest number of accidents (58.5%), followed by construction (19.4%). Occupational diseases were most common in manufacturing, affecting 73% of men and 63% of women. Accidents occurred mainly in men aged 25-34 (34.2%) and women aged 35-44 (29.3%). Occupational diseases showed a positive, statistically significant trend as work experience increased (p < 0.05). A positive and statistically significant trend was detected in occupational accidents from 2013 to 2020 (Tau = 0.786, p = 0.009). Conclusions: In countries like Turkey, where informal employment obscures occupational accidents, trend analysis helps increase their visibility. However, discovering that gender, age, and work experience are key factors in sector-specific accidents is crucial for improving safety and developing prevention programs.