EXTENDED SUMMARY

This study analyzes the statistical trends of occupational accidents and diseases in Türkiye’s education sector between 2008 and 2023. Based on data from the Social Security Institution (SGK), the study examines three main indicators—incident rate (IR), permanent incapacity rate (IRp), and fatality rate (IRf)—over a 16-year period, integrating legal developments, gender-based differences, and international comparisons. Findings reveal that, although the education sector has long been considered a “low-risk” area, it increasingly exhibits hidden occupational health and safety (OHS) risks, particularly in the past decade. Following the implementation of the Occupational Health and Safety Law No. 6331 in 2012, significant increases were observed in reported accidents, largely due to improved reporting and data collection systems. The national IR rose from 485.08 in 2008 to 2,688.38 in 2023. Within the education sector, the IR reached 1,650.43, IRp 3.39, and IRf 1.18 in 2023. This increase reflects not only a higher number of recorded incidents but also enhanced documentation practices. The study also highlights that since 2020, female employees have shown higher IRp levels, reflecting the impact of psychosocial and ergonomic burdens. Compared to OECD and EU averages, Türkiye’s education sector displays a higher occupational risk level. The findings underscore the need for sector-specific OHS strategies that address both physical hazards and psychosocial, gender-based risks to foster a sustainable safety culture in educational environments.