Workplace accidents remain one of the most critical challenges in professional life both globally and in Turkey. According to International Labour Organization (ILO) data, approximately 330,000 people lose their lives annually in occupational accidents worldwide, while 395 million workers suffer non-fatal workplace accidents. The ILO highlights that a vast majority of occupational accidents and diseases can be prevented through simple yet effective occupational health and safety measures. Eliminating primary risks—such as working at height, machine safety, electrical hazards, confined space risks, lack of personal protective equipment, and inadequate training—can prevent a major portion of fatal accidents.
Turkish Construction Data and Fall Risks
According to analysis conducted by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security using Social Security Institution (SGK) notifications, falls from height accounted for an average of 40.7% of fatal construction accidents in Turkey between 2013 and 2023. In 2023, falls from height remained the leading cause of fatal workplace accidents at 40.8%, demonstrating that working safely at height is a key priority for workplace health and safety.
Evaluating the statistics, PLATFORMDER Board Chairman Saruhan Günaydın noted that access platforms used across various sectors, including construction, electrical work, exterior cleaning, outdoor advertising, warehousing, retail, and manufacturing, have become an integral component of a safe working culture. Günaydın stated:
Falls from height account for nearly half of fatal workplace accidents. However, powered access platforms can prevent 80% of fall-related accidents. Yükseltici platforms, which keep workers continuously protected through guardrail systems, significantly reduce fall risks compared to ladders and traditional access methods under proper operating conditions. Platforms both facilitate tasks and protect the worker.
Experts also emphasize that using the correct equipment alongside required safety measures protects workers at height and reduces fatalities.
Industry to Gather at Platform Days 2026
Mainly supported by PLATFORMDER with official partnership from the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF), Platform Days 2026 will take place as an outdoor event on September 17-19 in Tuzla, Istanbul.
Bringing together operators, manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and industry professionals, high international participation is expected. Anticipated to shape the investment agenda of a sector representing an active fleet of roughly 35,000 platform units, attendees will experience new-generation powered access platforms, safety technologies, and digital fleet management systems in an environment mimicking real working conditions.
