The Difference Between ÇASMER and OSGB
Authorization and Affiliation
Under Art.4, Art.17/7 of the Regulation on Occupational Health and Safety Services, both the Worker Health Center (ÇASMER) and the Joint Health and Safety Unit (OSGB) are authorized by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. The difference is affiliation: a ÇASMER is a public institution affiliated with the Ministry of Health (Art.4/h), while an OSGB is founded by public bodies, organized industrial zones or companies (Law 6331 Art.3/1-m).
Scope of Services
In terms of scope, the services that a ÇASMER and an OSGB may provide differ. ÇASMERs may provide workplace physician and other healthcare staff services by fulfilling the requirements of Article 12 of the regulation, with the exception of the occupational safety expert room requirement (Art.17/7).
If a ÇASMER wishes to provide the full range of occupational health and safety services, including occupational safety expert services, it must additionally fulfil the requirements of Articles 12 and 16. An OSGB, by the very purpose of its establishment, covers the full occupational health and safety service, including occupational safety expert services.
Comparison Table
| Criterion | ÇASMER | OSGB |
|---|---|---|
| OHS authorizing institution | Ministry of Labour and Social Security | Ministry of Labour and Social Security |
| Affiliation / founder | Public institution affiliated with the Ministry of Health | Founded by a public body, organized industrial zone or company |
| Core service scope | Workplace physician + other healthcare staff | Full OHS (including occupational safety expert) |
| Occupational safety expert services | If Art.12 and Art.16 requirements are fulfilled | Included within its establishment scope |
| Occupational safety expert room requirement | Not required for core services (Art.17/7) | Required |
| Medical examination permit (fixed site / mobile vehicle) | Ministry of Health (provincial health directorate); prerequisite: Ministry of Labour authorization certificate | Ministry of Health (provincial health directorate); prerequisite: Ministry of Labour authorization certificate |
| Legal basis | Law No. 6331, Art.4, Art.17/7 | Law No. 6331, Art.4 |
Principles of Authorization and Supervision
The procedures and principles regarding the authorization and supervision of ÇASMERs are determined by a circular to be prepared jointly by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (Art.17/7).
For medical examinations, joint regulation applies to both structures. The permit for a fixed examination site or a mobile occupational health vehicle is issued to OSGBs and ÇASMERs alike by the provincial health directorate, and the application requires the Ministry of Labour authorization certificate. Examination standards are set jointly by the two ministries (Medical Examinations Regulation Art.5/2, Art.16/1-b, Art.21/1).