Workplace safety in Finland: employer guide

Short answer

In Finland, use the Finnish Supervisory Agency, Occupational Safety and Health Department and Occupational Safety and Health Act 738/2002 to plan workplace safety and instruction.

Who oversees safety at work?

Start with the tasks and hazards at your site. This page points to the regulator and legal framework; check their current guidance before making a workplace decision. The relevant public body is Finnish Supervisory Agency, Occupational Safety and Health Department. Also see English translation of the Act.

What should an employer do first?

Employers must care for safety and health at work, identify hazards and give employees sufficient instruction and guidance. Occupational Safety and Health Act 738/2002 For each task, write down the hazard, the control and the instruction workers need. Review the task and work environment under the Act, then check that instruction covers the risks workers will meet.

Five training topics to check

Choose from these topics using the job's risks; this is not a universal course list. Occupational Safety and Health Act 738/2002

1. Workplace induction — explain local hazards and the reporting route. 2. Manual handling — demonstrate the safe method for this task. 3. Work at height — show the fall-prevention method for this task. 4. Machinery — check equipment, exclusion zones and supervision. 5. Emergency response — agree what to do and whom to contact.

Useful official links

• Finnish Supervisory Agency, Occupational Safety and Health Department
• Occupational Safety and Health Act 738/2002
• English translation of the Act

For readers looking for a related course: Safety Courses online workplace safety course. Match any course to the employer’s own risk assessment and workplace instruction.