The deaths were not the first... Another worker died in HABAŞ 4 days ago!

While the loss of life increased in the explosion that occurred at the HABAŞ Iron and Steel Factory in Aliağa, 20-year-old Eyüp Eğinli lost his life in a work accident at the same workplace on November 5.

Mehmet Şeyhmus Ensari of the Federation of Occupational Health and Safety Associations (ISAF) said, "While the search and rescue efforts of the workers trapped under the rubble continue, new sad news comes with each passing minute. Following the death of 20-year-old Eyüp Eğinli in the same facility just 4 days ago, on November 5, this tragedy that took place today has once again revealed that Aliağa and HABAŞ are not 'accidents', but a region of systematic occupational murders."

Stating that hundreds of workers lost their lives due to explosions, burning, crushing and falling in ship dismantling facilities in the iron-steel and petrochemical basin in Aliağa, Ensari said, "Hundreds of them were disabled. The deaths, which are always dismissed as 'isolated events', continue in the same way today. These deaths are not coincidences. They are preventable murders that occur as a result of production pressure, subcontracting system, inadequate supervision, penalties not being deterrent and occupational safety being seen as a cost." spoke.

WORK MURDERS ARE NOT FATE

Addressing the authorities, Ensari said, "This bleeding wound in Aliağa must now be closed. Real and independent inspections must be carried out in all facilities in the region, especially HABAŞ, those responsible must be brought to justice, the subcontractor system and precarious working conditions must be ended immediately. Workplace murders are not fate. It is possible to prevent it. As long as there is a will. As ISAF, we condemn this massacre. Every worker who dies in Aliağa is our brother."

HE WAS A SUBCONTRACTED WORKER

20-year-old Eyüp Eğinli, who worked for a subcontractor company at the Habaş factory, lost his life when the wheel of his work machine exploded on November 5. According to the information provided by the Aegean Workers' Union; Two workers were slightly injured in the incident. The young worker, who was taken to Aliağa State Hospital by ambulance, could not be saved despite all the interventions.

8 WORKERS HAVE LOST THEIR LIVES SINCE 2018

According to the news of Emirhan Durmaz from Evrensel, occupational murders at HABAŞ Iron and Steel Factory:

October 2018, Hasan Bostancı: Hasan Bostancı, who worked in the iron and steel factory, lost his life by falling from the dust collection chimney.

August 14, 2020, Şaban Karaca: Subcontracted worker Şaban Karaca got stuck between the steel blocks carried in the open area of ​​the factory and could not be saved due to internal bleeding.

October 7, 2020, Kadir Özdemir (36): Kadir Özdemir, a permanent employee at HABAŞ, died by falling from a height of 10 meters while the old sheets were being replaced. In the compensation lawsuit filed by the family, the court found HABAŞ 70 percent primarily at fault.

November 6, 2020, Raif Çatan: Raif Çatan, who worked for the subcontractor Yükseksan company at HABAŞ Port, lost his life by falling into the sea while loading the ship in the wavy sea at night. In the case, five defendants were sentenced to 3 years in prison and the sentence was reduced to 2 years and 6 months. The file continues in appeal.

January 11, 2024, Kemal Özdemir (50): Kemal Özdemir, who worked as a subcontracted cleaning worker at HABAŞ Port, died when a metal coil fell on him while loading the ship.

October 21, 2026, Hakan Doğan (55): Hakan Doğan, who worked for the subcontractor Akyaka company, lost his life by falling from a height of 8 meters from the stairs.

November 5, 2026, Eyüp Eğinli (20): Subcontracted worker Eyüp Eğinli lost his life as a result of the tire bursting while air was being pumped into the tire of his work machine. Another worker was injured in the explosion.

25-26 July 2018: An explosion occurred while the broken electrodes were being removed from the 150-ton 3rd furnace of the factory. Five workers were injured, including Mevlüt Şimşek seriously, due to the molten iron scattered around.

August 29, 2018: Veli Yılmaz, Ramazan Şen and Hüseyin Gül were burned and seriously injured in the explosion that occurred in the continuous casting machine.

May 8, 2019: While being placed on the 120-ton ladle transport vehicle at the steel mill, it overturned and approximately 80 tons of liquid steel spilled into the work area. 11 workers were injured, four seriously.

November 5, 2026: 20-year-old Eyüp Eğinli lost his life as a result of a work machine tire bursting.