Deaths due to occupational accidents in Tuzla shipyards region between 2003 and 2011

Abstract

Objective: To reveal the high mortality rate of the occupational accidents in the Tuzla shipyards region and discuss the reasons-results of these accidents through autopsy procedures-findings. Material and Methods: 35.428 cases autopsied in the Ministry of Justice Council of Forensic Medicine Morgue Department between 2003 and 2011 were retrospectively reviewed and the occupational accident related deaths of the shipyard workers in Tuzla shipyards region of Istanbul were included in the study. Sociodemographic characteristics, features of the accident occurrence and macroscopic-microscopic-toxicological findings obtained from autopsies were evaluated. Results: Among 35,428 autopsy cases, 55 were deaths due to occupational accidents from Tuzla shipyard region. The peak age range was 20-29 years (n=23, 41.81%), and the peak year was 2008 (n=13, 23.63%). The most frequent site of the accident was 'inside the ship' (n=27, 49.09%). The most frequent reason was accidents related to the work machinery (n=17, 30.90%). The most frequent place of death was the incident site, before the individual was taken to the hospital (n=28, 50.90%). The most frequent cause of death was general body trauma (n=29, 52.72%). The most common entry site of the electric current in deaths related to electrocution was the palm of the right hand. Conclusion: Installing-implementing strict regulations and increasing the frequency of audits in shipyard industry have a critical significance. In this respect, evaluating the autopsy findings and the scene of accident data to take necessary precautions is a leading step in tackling such deaths. © 2013 by Türkiye Klinikleri.