'no End' To Tuzla Deaths

摘要

Eight workers have died at Tuzla shipyards since December, the European Metalworkers Federation (EMF) announced last week. In a statement coinciding with Mare Forum Istanbul, the EMF called on Turkish ship and yard owners to ensure that, at a time of crisis "profits are not put before workers' health and safety".rnThe increase in Tuzla fatalities in recent years (30 out of 120 deaths recorded in Tuzla since 1992 occurred last year) was barely touched upon during the 10 March forum.rn"Shipbuilding is a dangerous business, but not the most dangerous'; a panellist declared, giving the example of a single Turkish factory where occupational deaths in 2008 matched all Tuzla deaths. "The problem with Tuzla is the multitude of the yards, combined with the Turks' inability to perceive risk," he said, urging delegates to observe the driving habits of Istanbulites. Naturally, accidents can only harm the industry, the panellist said: "Why place an order with a shipyard that may be suspended?"