At least 169 workers died in Türkiye in October — report shows systemic failures, impunity, and deadly neglect

A new report reveals that at least 169 workers died in Türkiye in October, pushing the total number of workplace fatalities in the first ten months of 2025 to at least 1,737. Agriculture, construction, transport and heavy industry remain the deadliest sectors — driven by preventable accidents, lack of inspections, and non-unionized, informal employment. The month also saw a deadly factory fire in Dilovası that killed six workers, including women and children. Authorities have now suspended seven officials and detained 11 suspects — including the factory owner, who was caught trying to flee with a suitcase.

169 workers dead in one month — nearly six deaths every day

According to the monthly Health and Safety Labor Watch Council (ISIG) report, at least 169 workers lost their lives in October. The report compiles data from:

• local and national media

• worker testimonies

• union reports

• workplace safety expert assessments

• direct community reporting from the field

The total number of recorded workplace deaths between January and October 2025 has now reached:

1,737 workers.

ISIG stated that the figures represent confirmed cases only and that the real number is likely higher due to underreporting and lack of transparency in official data.

The report was also published with a message of solidarity to university students mobilizing over access to housing, food, and education — arguing that the fight for basic rights “binds workers and students in the same struggle.”

Fatalities concentrated in agriculture, construction and transport

October’s deaths show a familiar pattern:

Agriculture remains one of the most dangerous sectors in Türkiye:

• 24 farmers and

• 22 seasonal agricultural workers

died in October alone, often transported in unsafe vehicles or working without machinery protection.

Shipyards near Istanbul’s Tuzla district drew attention again after multiple worker deaths, including:

• a Ukrainian worker crushed when a shipboard structure collapsed

• a Syrian worker who died after exposure to leaking carbon dioxide during maintenance

Common causes: collapses, vehicle accidents, lack of safety equipment

The top causes of death included:

• crushing and collapse-related incidents,

• overturned tractors and heavy machinery accidents,

• transport accidents involving unsafe worker shuttles,

• falls from heights at construction sites lacking guardrails or proper scaffolding.

Heart attacks and strokes linked to overwork were also reported across multiple sectors.

Only three workers who died in October were unionized.
The remaining 166 workers were non-unionized, a pattern ISIG says reflects “a structural problem of vulnerability and lack of bargaining power.”

Child labor fatalities continue — youngest victim was only nine

At least eight children died while working in October, aged between 9 and 17.

Incidents included:

• machinery entanglement in factories,

• falling from height,

• transport accidents during agricultural work,

• and a suicide linked to working conditions.

Women and migrant workers face double vulnerability

• At least 12 women workers died in October — from agriculture to manufacturing and healthcare.

• At least seven migrant workers (from Syria, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Egypt) died in agriculture, shipyards, and workshops.

ISIG notes that migrant workers are frequently off the record, uninsured, and employed under the most dangerous conditions.

Age distribution reveals harsh reality of elderly labor

Deaths occurred across all age groups:

• 32 workers were aged 18–29

• 61 workers were aged 30–49

• 46 workers were aged 50–64

• 14 workers were 65 or older — highlighting reliance on elderly labor in agriculture and informal work

Dilovası illegal factory fire: Women and children among the dead — officials suspended, owner caught fleeing

Separate from ISIG’s monthly data, a deadly fire in Kocaeli’s Dilovası district resulted in:

6 deaths — including four women and two children

The fire broke out in an unlicensed cosmetics facility. Local residents had previously filed complaints about the plant, but authorities allegedly took no action.

Following public outrage:

• 7 officials from SGK and İŞKUR were suspended

• 11 suspects were detained

Among those detained are:

• The factory owner (identified only as K.O.)

• Senior managers and supervisors

🚨 Owner caught trying to flee with a suitcase

According to police reports, the owner attempted to escape with a packed suitcase and was detained at a transfer point before leaving the province. Authorities reported that:

“He was preparing to leave the city when captured with packed luggage.”

The incident has fueled renewed criticism toward lack of workplace inspections and impunity for illegal facilities.

A systemic problem, not isolated tragedies

ISIG concludes:

“These deaths are not accidents. They are preventable — and they continue because the system prioritizes production over life.”

Türkiye records some of the highest workplace fatality rates in the OECD. Unionization remains limited, inspections infrequent, and penalties inconsistent.

Source:  Turkish press sources