Occupational safety and health (työsuojelu)

Detailed explanation

Finland has one of the strongest occupational safety frameworks in Europe, rooted in the Occupational Safety and Health Act (Työturvallisuuslaki) which requires employers to systematically assess and minimize workplace risks. This applies to all workplaces regardless of size or industry, though specific requirements may vary based on the nature of work. The goal is not merely preventing accidents but promoting overall wellbeing, including mental health and ergonomic considerations.

Employers must identify hazards in the workplace, assess associated risks, and implement measures to eliminate or minimize them. This includes providing appropriate equipment and training, ensuring adequate rest periods, maintaining proper ventilation and lighting, and addressing psychosocial factors like workload and workplace harassment. Employees also have responsibilities: following safety instructions, using provided protective equipment, and reporting hazards they observe.

The Regional State Administrative Agencies (Aluehallintovirasto, AVI) oversee occupational safety enforcement through their occupational safety and health divisions. These inspectors conduct workplace visits, investigate accidents, and can issue improvement notices or even halt operations if serious violations are found. Employees can contact these authorities anonymously if they believe their workplace is unsafe.

How it affects expats

• •Worker protections: You have the same safety rights as Finnish workers from day one

• •Right to refuse dangerous work: You can decline tasks you reasonably believe pose serious danger

• •Safety training: Employers must provide training in a language you understand

• •Reporting mechanisms: You can report safety concerns to authorities without fear of retaliation

• •Workplace inspections: Authorities conduct regular inspections, especially in high-risk industries

• •Compensation for injuries: Work-related injuries are covered by mandatory accident insurance

Key components of tyosuojelu

• Risk assessment: Employers must regularly evaluate workplace hazards

• Safety representatives: Workplaces with 10+ employees elect a safety delegate (työsuojeluvaltuutettu)

• Occupational healthcare: Employers must provide preventive healthcare services

• Safety committees: Larger workplaces have joint committees of employer and employee representatives

• Incident reporting: All workplace accidents must be investigated and reported

• Personal protective equipment: Provided free of charge when required

Your rights as an employee

• •Access to information about workplace hazards in your work area

• •Participation in safety planning and improvements

• •Training on safe work methods and emergency procedures

• •Right to stop work if you face immediate serious danger

• •Protection from retaliation for reporting safety concerns

• •Regular health examinations related to your work

How to report safety concerns

• Speak with your supervisor: Most issues can be resolved internally

• Contact your safety representative: Every workplace should have one designated

• Involve occupational healthcare: They can assess health impacts of working conditions

• Report to authorities: Contact AVI's occupational safety division if internal channels fail

• Anonymous reporting: You can report concerns without identifying yourself

Related terms

• •Occupational healthcare — Employer-provided healthcare

• •Employment contract (Työsopimus) — Your agreement with an employer covering duties, pay, working time, and key terms

• •Collective agreement (TES) — Industry-wide minimum employment conditions in Finland, set by collective bargaining

• •Trade union — An organization that can provide advice, legal help, and support for employees