Istanbul Gelisim University, Turkey
Author Profile
Scopus
🎓 Early Academic Pursuits
Asst. Prof. Kaan Koçali began his academic journey with a strong foundation in engineering, completing his undergraduate degree in Mining Engineering at İstanbul University-Cerrahpaşa between 2007 and 2011. His passion for applied sciences and industrial safety led him to pursue further studies in related fields. He earned a postgraduate degree in Mining Engineering at the same institution while also simultaneously expanding his expertise in Occupational Health and Safety at Istanbul Aydin University.
Driven by a commitment to continuous learning, Dr. Koçali pursued interdisciplinary postgraduate studies in Occupational Health and Safety and later earned a Ph.D. from Istanbul Aydin University, focusing on health and safety within the mining industry. His doctoral research dealt with a legal and systemic analysis of supervisory roles in mining operations, underscoring his dedication to enhancing workplace safety. Remarkably, he also undertook another undergraduate program in Entrepreneurship at Istanbul Kültür University, highlighting his multifaceted academic interest in combining business acumen with technical expertise.
🛠️ Professional Endeavors
Professionally, Asst. Prof. Koçali has established himself as a respected academic and practitioner in occupational health, safety engineering, and risk management. Since 2021, he has held a faculty position at Istanbul Gelişim Vocational School, where he continues to teach and mentor the next generation of safety professionals and engineers.
His professional development is bolstered by a rich array of certifications and trainings spanning over a decade. These include high-level credentials in ISO management systems (14001, 45001, 9001, and 22000), fire safety, workplace health risk management, project writing, and safety auditing. His association with international institutions such as NEBOSH and IOSH further enhances his global perspective and professional standing.
From his early roles in technical inspection and risk assessment to training in drone operation and demolition techniques, Koçali’s career is a blend of theoretical depth and field-level expertise. This unique combination positions him as both a scholar and a practitioner in the safety domain.
🔬 Contributions and Research Focus
Asst. Prof. Koçali’s research spans several domains, primarily focusing on occupational health and safety, ergonomics, social security systems, and workforce efficiency. His academic investigations have addressed systemic gaps in legal compliance, safety culture, and risk assessment in high-risk industries such as mining.
In his 2021 doctoral dissertation, he designed a software-based tracking and control system to streamline legal obligations of mine safety supervisors in accordance with Turkish laws (3213 and 6331). His earlier postgraduate thesis evaluated the safety culture in mining using worker surveys—showcasing a data-driven approach to safety enhancement. Another research effort explored the impact of boron compounds on solar panel performance, demonstrating his ability to bridge environmental concerns with engineering innovations.
Through his academic output and structured training modules, he has contributed significantly to the development of professional standards in occupational safety, particularly in Turkey’s industrial landscape.
🏅 Accolades and Recognition
Koçali’s professional excellence is reflected in his extensive list of certifications, many of which are awarded by internationally recognized bodies. These accolades validate his authority in occupational health and safety, from entry-level training to elite auditor qualifications.
His roles as certified lead auditor, NEBOSH safety trainer, and ISO standards expert have not only earned him professional credibility but have also made him a sought-after educator and consultant in both academic and industrial circles.
🌍 Impact and Influence
Asst. Prof. Koçali’s work has had tangible influence in shaping both academic programs and safety protocols across multiple sectors. Through his teaching at Istanbul Gelişim University and his participation in professional associations like TMMOB, he has mentored numerous students and professionals in navigating occupational risks.
He has been instrumental in fostering a safety-first culture in Turkish workplaces by aligning engineering practices with international safety standards. His cross-disciplinary knowledge allows him to address challenges from both managerial and technical perspectives, making his impact deeply felt in policy, training, and operations.
🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions
Looking forward, Koçali aims to continue contributing to policy development, legal compliance systems, and safety education. His entrepreneurial education suggests a desire to integrate innovation and startup culture into occupational safety solutions.
With ongoing research, academic supervision, and curriculum development, his legacy will likely include creating a generation of safety-conscious engineers and managers. His work reflects a balance between technological advancement and human-centered design, ensuring sustainable and ethical progress in occupational environments.
As he continues to enrich his profile with global collaborations and evolving methodologies, Asst. Prof. Koçali stands as a dedicated leader in engineering safety and professional education.
Notable Publications
Occupational Health and Safety Social Policy Reviews
Author: Kaan Koçali
Publisher: Özgür Publishing
Year: 2025
Occupational Health Services in Workplaces
Author: Kaan Koçali
Book Title: Employee Health and Occupational Safety
Year: 2025
: An Ergonomic Perspective on the Analysis of Postural Behaviors of Factory Workers: A Human Factors-Based Evaluation
Author: Kaan Koçali
Conference: 1st International Conference on Pioneer and Academic Research
Year: 2025
Analysis of Work Accidents in Shipyards and Preventive Strategies: An Evaluation with AHP Method
Author: Kaan Koçali
Conference: 10th International Congress of Scientific Research and Innovation
Year: 2025
Assessment of Occupational Health and Safety Risks in Disaster Logistics Operations: An Integrated Approach Based on the Example of the 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes
Author: Kaan Koçali
Conference: 4th International Conference on Trends in Advanced Research
Year: 2025