Research Information System
16th International Congresses on Social, Humanities, Administrative, and Educational Sciences in a Changing World, Ürgenç, Uzbekistan, 11 - 13 June 2025, pp.626-628, (Summary Text)
Law No. 6331 on Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) represents a
significant transformation in Türkiye’s approach to workplace safety by
broadening the definitions of “employer” and “employee” to encompass religious
and cultural institutions such as mosques, churches, synagogues, and djemevi.
As of January 2025, the administrators of these institutions—mufti offices,
church foundations, and community representatives—assume the role of employers,
acquiring legal responsibilities to ensure the occupational health and safety
of all personnel working within these spaces. Although religious institutions
are generally classified under the “low risk” category, this classification
should not diminish the necessity for comprehensive OHS practices. These
institutions serve as critical social centers fulfilling essential functions
such as strengthening social solidarity, sustaining cultural expression,
facilitating educational activities, and providing social support. They often
encompass areas with distinct operational functions, including kitchens,
guesthouses, and mortuaries, which present occupational hazards necessitating
individualized safety precautions. Both paid staff and volunteers operate
within these venues, reflecting a social fabric founded upon collective effort
and commitment. Ensuring the safety of these individuals is not merely a legal
obligation but an ethical imperative that safeguards the dignity and well-being
of contributors to communal life. A notable challenge lies in the insufficient
knowledge and awareness regarding OHS among administrators of small-scale and
resource-constrained religious institutions, which necessitates targeted
interventions through awareness raising, training, and institutional support
mechanisms. National religious authorities, local governments, and civil
society organizations hold pivotal roles in disseminating a culture of
occupational health and safety. Collaboration with occupational safety experts
and healthcare professionals during maintenance, renovation, and routine
operations is crucial to mitigate risks in vulnerable areas such as kitchens,
electrical installations, and assembly halls. Institutionalizing OHS practices
within religious and cultural organizations enhances social resilience by
protecting not only workers and volunteers but also congregants and visitors.
This contributes to public health protection, fosters social trust, and
supports the functioning of these spaces as inclusive and secure environments.
In conclusion, recognizing and institutionalizing OHS responsibilities in
religious settings constitutes a critical step towards constructing safer,
healthier, and more inclusive societies. This approach reflects a holistic
understanding of these institutions not only as spiritual sanctuaries but also
as foundational pillars of social solidarity and collective well-being.