Occupational hazards in veterinary practice: a 15-year review of Türkiye's official ınjury and disease data (2008-2023).

PURPOSE: This study aims to examine the trends in occupational accidents and diseases within Türkiye’s veterinary services sector between 2008 and 2023, focusing on sector-specific risks and the effects of national occupational health and safety legislation.

METHODS

A descriptive, cross-sectional analysis was conducted using official, publicly available datasets from the Social Security Institution. Incident Rate (IR), Permanent Incapacity Rate (IRp), and Fatality Rate (IRf) were calculated per 100,000 employees. Comparative analyses were performed between pre-law (2008–2012) and post-law (2013–2023) periods using the Mann–Whitney U test. Gender-based analysis was conducted solely for IR due to limited IRp and IRf data.

RESULTS

After the implementation of Law No. 6331 in 2012, a statistically significant increase in IR was observed (p = 0.0005), while IRf remained statistically stable. IRp showed a moderate increase (p = 0.0473). Gender-based IR analysis indicated higher rates among female employees in several years. No verified cases of occupational disease were reported for the veterinary sector during the study period.

CONCLUSION

Veterinary services in Türkiye exhibit a distinct risk profile, especially concerning ergonomic and psychosocial hazards, which remain statistically underreported. The findings support the development of sector-specific surveillance systems and gender-responsive preventive strategies aligned with international standards.