Evalution of Search and Rescue Activities of February 6, 2023, Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes in Terms of Occupational Health and Safety

Abstract

Disasters, accidents, and other emergencies necessitate both ensuring the safety of affected individuals and enhancing the effectiveness of response teams. In such situations, search and rescue operations alongside occupational health and safety (OHS) practices play a critical role in saving lives and ensuring that interventions are conducted safely and sustainably. Although Article 2/2-b of the Turkish Occupational Health and Safety Law No. 6331 states that OHS provisions do not apply during disasters and emergencies, this clause does not eliminate the necessity of implementing safety measures in such contexts. Ensuring the safety of personnel working in disaster zones is of paramount importance, particularly during emergency response operations. This study evaluates the occupational health and safety experiences of search and rescue personnel from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and local administrations who participated in search and rescue activities following the February 6, 2023, Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes. The sample consists of individuals who traveled from Kocaeli province to Hatay to engage in these operations. A qualitative research methodology was employed, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. Data saturation was achieved with 19 participants (N=19). Findings reveal that while search and rescue workers paid close attention to the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), they faced difficulties adhering to all necessary occupational health and safety precautions due to time constraints and emotional stress.