Turkey Reports Rising Industrial Workplace Fatalities

Addiction rates, particularly for smoking and tobacco, have significantly increased in Turkey over the last decade. Currently, 34.1% of the population uses cigarettes or tobacco, with rates at 46% among men. The perception of tobacco use as normal is growing, prompting new legislative efforts. A report indicates that child delinquency has become a threat in Turkey. Last year, 478 children were involved in 266 murders. Of the children driven into crime, 70% are aged between 15 and 17. Additionally, 29% of those involved in murders belong to the 12-14 age group. Industrial accidents accounted for 33 percent of sectoral deaths in Turkey. Monthly fatalities rose from 106 in January to 126 in February and 148 in March. New regulations will also increase maternity leave from 16 to 24 weeks and prohibit children under 15 from joining social networks.