Occupational Health and Safety (ISG) in Turkey
If you are planning to work or hire in Turkey as an expatriate, understanding local occupational health and safety regulations—known as ISG (İş Sağlığı ve Güvenliği)—is essential.
These rules are not just formalities. They are strictly enforced under Law No. 6331 and apply to all workers, regardless of whether you are a freelancer, consultant, or employed through a local structure.
Failing to comply can lead to fines, work interruptions, or administrative complications. The good news is that, with the right approach, ISG requirements can be managed smoothly.
1. Understand your status: employee, freelancer, or contractor
Your ISG obligations depend largely on how you operate in Turkey:
- If you are officially employed, your employer is responsible for ISG compliance
- If you work as an independent consultant, responsibilities may vary depending on your setup
- If you operate through an intermediary structure (such as an umbrella solution), ISG obligations are usually handled on your behalf
👉 Before starting your activity, clarify your employment status to avoid misunderstandings.
2. Do not underestimate mandatory safety training
In Turkey, workplace health and safety training is compulsory.
This training:
- must be completed before starting work
- varies depending on the risk level of your position
- can be delivered online or in person
Even for office-based roles, this requirement still applies.
👉 Tip: Always request proof of training completion. This document may be required during inspections.
3. Ensure you are registered in the ISG-KATİP system
The ISG-KATİP platform is the official government system where all occupational health and safety activities must be recorded.
If your situation is not properly registered:
- your compliance is not legally recognized
- you may face issues during audits or inspections
👉 Practical advice: Ask your employer or partner to confirm your registration in the system and ensure all records are up to date.
4. Obtain your ISG certificate
After completing your training, you should receive an official ISG certificate.
This certificate:
- proves you have fulfilled your legal training obligation
- is registered in the official system
- may be requested by authorities or clients
👉 Keep a copy (digital and physical) for your records.
5. Do not overlook occupational health requirements
Medical follow-up is another key component of ISG compliance in Turkey.
You may be required to undergo:
- a medical check before starting your role
- periodic health examinations
- a final check when leaving your position
👉 These evaluations must be performed by a certified occupational physician and officially recorded.
6. Understand the importance of organizational structure
Companies operating in Turkey must define clear responsibilities regarding health and safety.
This includes:
- assigning safety roles
- identifying risk management responsibilities
- maintaining an organizational chart related to ISG
👉 As an expatriate, make sure you know who is responsible for safety matters in your workplace.
7. Be proactive to avoid administrative issues
Many expatriates underestimate ISG requirements because they seem technical or administrative.
However, in Turkey:
- inspections are frequent
- documentation is essential
- compliance must be demonstrable at all times
👉 Best practice: regularly verify that your documents, certifications, and registrations are valid and accessible.
8. Simplify your situation when possible
If managing ISG obligations seems complicated, consider structured solutions that centralize compliance responsibilities.
These setups can:
- handle administrative processes
- ensure legal compliance
- provide faster access to required documents
👉 This is particularly useful for freelancers, consultants, or foreign companies entering the Turkish market.
Final thoughts: stay compliant and focus on your work
Adapting to a new country always comes with administrative challenges, and Turkey is no exception when it comes to workplace regulations.
By understanding ISG requirements and taking a proactive approach, you can:
- avoid legal risks
- ensure a smooth working experience
- focus on your professional goals
Quick checklist for expatriates
Before starting work in Turkey, make sure you have:
✔ Completed mandatory safety training
✔ Received your ISG certificate
✔ Been registered in the ISG-KATİP system
✔ Completed required medical examinations
✔ Identified safety responsibilities within your organization
