The traditional Red Hard Hat Ceremony was organized by Üsküdar University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Occupational Health and Safety, MESKA Foundation, and the Occupational Safety, Health and Environmental Health Application and Research Center (ÜSGÜMER). The red hard hats, an important symbol for students entering the field of occupational safety, were worn with enthusiasm.
The ceremony held at Üsküdar University Emirnebi Conference Hall was attended by Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences Dean Prof. Dr. Arif Aktuğ Ertekin, Faculty of Health Sciences Assistant Dean Assistant Professor Dr. Nuri Bingöl, Head of Occupational Health and Safety Department and MESKA Foundation Chairman Assistant Professor Dr. Rüştü Uçan, Assistant Head of Occupational Health and Safety Department Assistant Professor Dr. Sertaç Temur, as well as other academicians and students.
Prof. Dr. Arif Aktuğ Ertekin: “There is a great need for you”
Prof. Dr. Arif Aktuğ Ertekin, who gave the opening speech of the ceremony, stated; “Today is a very important and beautiful day for you. As long as we live, we will be intertwined with work. Engaging in work means producing, sharing, socializing, and gaining self-confidence. However, regardless of the profession, health and safety issues can arise over time if necessary precautions are not taken. The most important issue in occupational health and safety is that most accidents and illnesses are actually preventable. Unfortunately, as a country, we have learned this through bitter experiences in recent years. Your earnings can be at the minimum wage level or much higher. This depends a bit on you, your talents, diligence, and luck. There is a great need for you, and this need will increase day by day. Although some sectors still have not taken the necessary steps, occupational health and safety will eventually become standard. I wish you all the best of luck. I wish you success.”
Assistant Professor Dr. Rüştü Uçan: “Language is a fundamental need, as essential as an elementary school diploma”
Assistant Professor Dr. Rüştü Uçan gave his speech as part of the ceremony. Uçan said; “It is very important to foresee what is needed according to today's conditions and take action. Those who keep themselves updated and act quickly in the field of occupational safety make great progress. I am often asked, ‘How much does an occupational safety specialist earn?’ Some earn minimum wage, while others earn multiples of the daily minimum wage. This completely depends on your effort. Some of my students from 10 years ago struggle to find jobs because they didn't develop themselves, but some founded their own companies. One of them now has international work in England and France. Language is very important in this process. Without a foreign language, many companies no longer even call you for an interview. Language has become a fundamental need, as essential as an elementary school diploma. Be sure to consider international exchange programs like Erasmus. Erasmus is truly a great advantage.”
Assistant Professor Dr. Sertaç Temur: “Being here is very special for me”
Assistant Head of Occupational Health and Safety Department Assistant Professor Dr. Sertaç Temur also gave a speech at the ceremony. Temur said; “Being here is very special for me because I was also a student of my professors. Meeting you all here in this way now is an emotional moment for me. The education I received here has a very important place in where I am today. I thank my professors for their efforts.”
Red hard hats presented at ceremony
Following the opening speeches, the red hard hat ceremony, eagerly awaited by the students, commenced.
Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences Dean Prof. Dr. Arif Aktuğ Ertekin, Faculty of Health Sciences Assistant Dean Assistant Professor Dr. Nuri Bingöl, Head of Occupational Health and Safety Department and MESKA Foundation Chairman Assistant Professor Dr. Rüştü Uçan, Assistant Head of Occupational Health and Safety Department Assistant Professor Dr. Sertaç Temur, along with the department's academicians, presented the hard hats to the students.
The ceremony, where joyful moments were experienced, concluded with a group photo session.