Experts state that building demolitions carried out within the scope of urban transformation are rapidly continuing in many cities of Turkey, but this process is not merely the removal of old buildings; it is also a stage that must be carefully managed in terms of worker health, environmental safety, and public health.
Dr. Sertaç Temur, pointing out that urban transformation offers a great opportunity for cities to acquire earthquake-resistant, modern structures, said, “This process, which has gained momentum with the state’s rent and loan supports, will further increase its social benefits when supported by safety measures. Thanks to planned, controlled, and safe demolitions, both employees and citizens can have their health protected, and cities can be renewed safely.”
Dr. Lecturer Sertaç Temur, Deputy Head of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Department at Üsküdar University, evaluated building demolitions within urban transformation in the city from the perspective of occupational health and safety.
Building demolitions are rapidly continuing
Dr. Lecturer Sertaç Temur stated that building demolitions carried out within the scope of urban transformation are rapidly continuing in many cities of Turkey, and said, “The transformation process has gained significant momentum in recent years with the support and incentives provided by the state. However, this process is not merely the removal of old buildings; it is also a stage that must be carefully managed in terms of worker health, environmental safety, and public health. Carrying out demolitions in a controlled and planned manner is of great importance for the construction of safe cities.”
Demolition must be planned
Dr. Temur stated that before starting a building demolition, electricity, natural gas, and water connections must be cut off, the structural condition of the building must be examined by engineers, and a safe demolition plan must be prepared. He added, “Enclosing the work site with barriers, drawing safety tapes, and determining alternative routes for pedestrian and vehicle traffic are also vital steps. During demolition, phased demolition techniques should be used to prevent uncontrolled collapse of the structure, and construction machinery should be operated from safe distances.”
Protecting environmental and public health is important!
Emphasizing that various measures should be taken for environmental health, Dr. Lecturer Sertaç Temur said, “To prevent the spread of dense dust and debris generated during demolition, water should be sprayed at regular intervals, and residents in the vicinity should be informed about the process in advance. Furthermore, noise, vibration, and waste management must also be handled carefully. Regularly collecting the resulting debris, separating materials suitable for recycling, and managing this process in a way that does not harm the environment are of great importance for protecting public health.”
Hard hat, high-visibility vest, and dust mask are a must
Dr. Lecturer Sertaç Temur pointed out that in addition to collective protection measures, the personal safety of employees is also an integral part of the process, and said, “Workers involved in demolitions must fully use personal protective equipment such as hard hats, gloves, steel-toed boots, high-visibility vests, and dust masks. Especially, dust masks play a critical role in preventing respiratory diseases. Therefore, the combined application of collective measures and personal protective equipment is mandatory for a safe demolition process.”
Municipalities and contractors are responsible
Dr. Lecturer Sertaç Temur, stating that both contractors and municipalities bear responsibility in this process according to legislation, continued:
“Municipalities are obliged to examine safety plans before issuing demolition permits. Contractors, on the other hand, are responsible for implementing this plan on site and ensuring the safety of workers and the environment. Labor inspectors affiliated with the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, municipal police, and environmental inspection teams can also conduct on-site inspections. However, the fact that inspections are not always carried out with sufficient frequency and scope in practice can lead to uncontrolled demolitions.”
Some improvements are needed for more effective implementation
Dr. Lecturer Sertaç Temur explained that although the general framework of the legislation includes the necessary regulations, some improvements are needed for more effective implementation, and said, “It is important that inspections are carried out at regular intervals, and penal sanctions are applied not only for deterrence but also with a guiding approach. Awareness-raising efforts regarding contractors fulfilling their responsibilities can be increased, and municipalities can ensure that the public is informed about the process more transparently. Thus, a safer environment can be created in terms of both occupational safety and public health.”
Urban transformation is an opportunity
Emphasizing that urban transformation is an opportunity not only for renovating buildings but also for building safer cities, Dr. Lecturer Sertaç Temur concluded by saying, “Urban transformation offers a great opportunity for cities to acquire earthquake-resistant, modern structures. This process, which has gained momentum with the state’s rent and loan supports, will further increase its social benefits when supported by safety measures. Thanks to planned, controlled, and safe demolitions, both employees and citizens can have their health protected, and cities can be renewed safely.”