Assist. Prof. Dr. Kaan Koçali | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Occupational Health and Safety | Istanbul Gelisim University | Turkey

Dr. Kaan Koçalı is a dedicated Assistant Professor at Istanbul Gelişim University, specializing in Occupational Health and Safety (OHS). With a multidisciplinary background in mining engineering, entrepreneurship, and OHS, he combines academic expertise with industry experience to advance workplace safety in Turkey and beyond. His research focuses on risk assessment, legal frameworks in mining, and occupational accident analysis.

Professional profile👤

Google Scholar

ORCID

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

1. Strong Academic & Research Background

   • Holds a PhD in Occupational Health and Safety (İstanbul Aydın Üniversitesi, 2021).

   • Multiple master’s degrees (Mining Engineering, Occupational Health and Safety, and Business).

   • Diverse expertise in OHS, mining safety, legal compliance, and risk assessment.

2. High Research Output

   • 13+ international peer-reviewed journal articles (e.g., International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics).

   • 15+ conference papers (both national and international).

   • Authored/co-authored 8 book chapters on OHS, mining safety, and entrepreneurship.

   • Published a book on Mining Accidents and Legal Responsibilities (Nobel Akademik Yayıncılık, 2021).

3. Active Participation in Research Projects

   • Involved in 10+ national & international projects, including TÜBİTAK-funded research on occupational accidents and REACH Directive compliance.

   • Project leader in KOSGEB and EU-funded initiatives.

4. Industry & Academic Recognition

   • Multiple “Best Researcher” awards (2022, 2023, 2024) from international conferences.

   • Academic Performance Award (İstanbul Gelişim Üniversitesi, 2024).

   • Erasmus+ training mobility (Germany & North Macedonia).

5. Professional Experience & Impact

   • Worked as a mining engineer & OHS expert in private sector firms.

   • Served as a court expert (bilirkişi) in 126+ legal cases related to mining accidents and workplace safety.

   • University leadership roles: Department Head, Erasmus Coordinator, and Quality Board Member.

6. Teaching & Training Contributions

   • Teaches multiple OHS courses at Istanbul Gelişim University.

   • Certified OHS trainer (A, B, C Class) and NEBOSH-certified safety professional.

Education

🎓 Ph.D. in Occupational Health and Safety (2021), Istanbul Aydın University
🎓 M.Sc. in Mining Engineering (2016), Istanbul University
🎓 M.Sc. in Occupational Health and Safety (2016, non-thesis), Istanbul Aydın University
🎓 B.Sc. in Mining Engineering (2011), Istanbul University
🎓 Additional degrees in Entrepreneurship (2025) and Business Administration (2022).

Experience

 Academic Roles:

• Assistant Professor at Istanbul Gelişim University (2021–present).

• Erasmus+ Trainer at institutions in Germany and North Macedonia (2024).

 Industry Roles:

• OHS Expert in mining companies (Öksan, Ökten Madencilik).

• Consultant for TÜBİTAK and KOSGEB projects on workplace safety and mining tech.

• Expert Witness for the Turkish Ministry of Justice (2016–2021).

Research Interests On Social Science

🌍 Risk assessment methodologies (Fine-Kinney, TOPSIS).
🌍 Legal responsibilities in mining under Turkish laws (3213, 6331).
🌍 Occupational accident profiling and prevention strategies.
🌍 EU harmonization of OHS policies.

Awards

 Academic Research Impact Award (SHEN Conferences, India, 2024).
Best Researcher Award (International Research Awards on Cybersecurity, 2024).
Top Researcher Award (Science Health and Engineering, 2022–2023).
Mining Engineering Department Rank Award (Istanbul University, 2011).

Publications

• Title: Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu’nun 2012-2020 Yılları Arası İş Kazaları Göstergelerinin Standardizasyonu
  Authors: K. Koçali
  Year: 2021
  Citations: 46

• Title: Calculation of Occupational Accident Indicators of Türkiye
  Authors: K. Koçali
  Year: 2021
  Citations: 17

• Title: Açık Ocak Maden İşletmelerinde İşçi Anketleri ile İş Sağlığı ve Güvenliği Kültürü ve Uygulamasının Araştırılması
  Authors: K. Koçali
  Year: 2018
  Citations: 14

• Title: Maden Kazalarında Sorumluluklar ve Kusur Oranları
  Authors: K. Koçali
  Year: 2021
  Citations: 13

• Title: Şırnak Kömür Madeni Kazası Işığında Kömür Madenciliğindeki Uygunsuzluklar Hakkında Öneriler
  Authors: K. Koçali
  Year: 2018
  Citations: 10

• Title: How to Perform a Risk Assessment Step by Step for Occupational Health and Safety
  Authors: K. Koçali
  Year: 2022
  Citations: 8

• Title: Legal Regulations Regarding Liabilities of Workers and Employers Related to Occupational Health and Safety in Mining
  Authors: K. Koçali, R. Erçetin
  Year: 2021
  Citations: 7

• Title: Madencilikte Proje Şirketlerinin Önemi
  Authors: K. Koçali
  Year: 2013
  Citations: 6

• Title: 18-65 Yaş Arası Kişilerin Antropometrik Verilerinin Belirlenmesi Üzerine Bir Alan Araştırması: Yükseköğretim Kurumu Uygulaması
  Authors: S. Çalış, Ç. Çalış, K. Koçali, B.Y. Büyükakıncı
  Year: 2021
  Citations: 5

• Title: Türkiye’de 2017 Yılında Yaşanan Kömür Madeni Faciası Sonrası Sektörün İş Sağlığı ve Güvenliği Açısından İrdelenmesi
  Authors: K. Koçali
  Year: 2019
  Citations: 5

Conclusion

🌟 Dr. Koçalı bridges academia and industry through rigorous research, impactful publications, and practical OHS solutions. His awards and international collaborations underscore his commitment to safer workplaces. Future work aims to expand Turkey’s OHS frameworks in alignment with global standards.