Üsküdar University’s Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Occupational Health and Safety, in collaboration with the MESKA Foundation and the Center for Occupational Safety, Health, and Environmental Health Practice and Research (ÜSGÜMER), organized the traditional Red Helmet Ceremony. The red helmets, a significant symbol for students preparing to step into the field of occupational safety, were worn with great enthusiasm.
The ceremony, held at Üsküdar University’s Emirnebi Conference Hall, was attended by Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences Prof. Arif Aktuğ Ertekin, Vice Dean Asst. Prof. Nuri Bingöl, Head of the Department of Occupational Health and Safety and President of MESKA Foundation Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan, Vice Head of the Department Asst. Prof. Sertaç Temur, along with faculty members and students.
Prof. Arif Aktuğ Ertekin: “You are greatly needed”
Delivering the opening speech of the ceremony, Prof. Arif Aktuğ Ertekin stated: “Today is a very important and joyful day for you. As long as we live, we will be involved in work. Engaging in work means producing, sharing, socializing, and gaining self-confidence. However, no matter the profession, if necessary precautions are not taken, health and safety problems may arise over time. The most important point in occupational health and safety is that most accidents and illnesses are actually preventable. Unfortunately, we have learned this as a country through bitter experiences in recent years. Your income may be at minimum wage level or much more — that depends on your efforts, skills, diligence, and a bit of luck. You are greatly needed, and this need will only grow with time. Some sectors may not have taken the necessary steps yet, but eventually, occupational health and safety will become a standard. I wish you all the best and continued success.”
Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan: “Language is as fundamental as a primary school diploma”
Speaking during the ceremony, Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan said: “According to current conditions, it’s very important to anticipate what is needed and take action accordingly. Those who stay updated and act quickly in the field of occupational safety make great progress. I’m often asked, ‘How much does a safety specialist earn?’ Some work for minimum wage, while others earn several times that amount daily. It completely depends on your effort. Some of my students from 10 years ago struggle to find jobs because they didn’t develop themselves, while others have founded their own companies. One even has international business in England and France. Language is very important in this process. Nowadays, many companies won’t even call you for an interview without a foreign language. Language has become as fundamental as a primary school diploma. I highly encourage you to take advantage of international exchange programs like Erasmus, and it’s a real opportunity.”
Asst. Prof. Sertaç Temur: “Being here is very special for me”
Vice Head of the Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Asst. Prof. Sertaç Temur also spoke at the ceremony: “Being here is very special for me because I was once a student of these very professors. Now, being here with you in this role is a very emotional moment for me. The education I received here played a very important role in my current position. I thank my professors for their efforts.”
Red Helmets were presented in a ceremony
Following the opening speeches, the moment the students eagerly awaited arrived , that is, the red helmet ceremony.
Prof. Arif Aktuğ Ertekin, Asst. Prof. Nuri Bingöl, Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan, Asst. Prof. Sertaç Temur, and other department faculty members presented the helmets to the students.
The joyous ceremony concluded with a group photo.
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)