Workplaces employing 50 or more employees and operating continuously for over six months must establish an Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Committee, as regulated by Law No. 6331 on Occupational Health and Safety and the Regulation on OHS Committees (Official Gazette No. 28532, dated 18.01.2013).
Formation and Structure
Each qualifying workplace must have its own OHS Committee.
If a company operates multiple sites, a separate committee is required for each, and the employer must ensure coordination between them.
In principal–subcontractor relationships lasting longer than six months:
- If both employ 50+ workers → both establish separate committees.
- If only one side exceeds 50 → that employer establishes the committee, the other appoints a representative.
- If both have under 50 but together exceed 50 → a joint committee is formed.
Composition
The committee typically includes:
- Employer or representative (Chairperson),
- Occupational safety specialist (Secretary),
- Workplace physician,
- HR or administrative affairs officer,
- Employee representative (chief if multiple),
- Foreman or supervisor.
Main Duties
According to the Regulation, the OHS Committee is responsible for:
- Assessing workplace hazards and recommending preventive measures,
- Investigating accidents and “near misses,”
- Planning and monitoring safety training,
- Reviewing fire, emergency, and disaster preparedness,
- Preparing an annual OHS report,
- Convening urgently when employees exercise the right to refuse unsafe work.
Committee decisions are binding on both employer and employees once announced.
Training and Meetings
Employers must provide OHS training to all members, covering legislation, accident prevention, risk assessment, and emergency procedures.
Committees must meet at least once a month (up to every two or three months in less hazardous workplaces).
Meeting minutes must be recorded, signed, and kept available for labour inspection.
Employer and Employee Obligations
Employers must:
- Provide meeting space and equipment,
- Retain minutes and reports for inspector review,
- Implement the committee’s safety decisions.
Employees must:
- Follow safety rules and committee instructions,
- Cooperate in applying preventive measures, and
- Report unsafe conditions to their representatives.
OHS Committees are a legal and practical tool ensuring continuous workplace safety monitoring.
By forming and actively maintaining these committees, employers comply with Law No. 6331, prevent accidents, and foster a sustainable safety culture.
