Torbalı Worker Who Lost Eye Awarded 778,000 TL by İzmir Court

Quick summary

An Izmir court ruled for 778,000 TL in compensation for a worker who lost his eyesight at a construction site, placing full liability on the employer. The ruling carries precedential weight that could increase employer responsibility in compensation cases in the construction sector.

Why it matters

For workers in construction and similar hazardous sectors, this ruling questions the practice of apportioning fault and strengthens the right to full compensation. For employers, failure to invest in occupational safety measures becomes costly; precedent cases in the sector could shape compensation law in this direction, creating pressure to raise safety standards.

Key takeaways

• ›Nadir Çalışkan, 55, lost his left eye after wooden formwork material fell on his head at a construction site in Torbalı on May 5, 2020.
• ›The Social Security Institution (SGK) determined the worker's loss of earning capacity at 47 percent.
• ›The court classified the construction site as 'very hazardous' under Law No. 6331 on Occupational Health and Safety and assigned the employer full liability.
• ›The ruling established the principle that 'occupational safety measures cannot be left to the employee's initiative.'