Occupational safety

The purpose of occupational safety is to ensure safe and healthy working conditions and to promote working ability and job satisfaction. Ideally, occupational safety is integrated into the daily routines and management of the workplace. While the ultimate responsibility for health and safety rests with the employer, each employee is to shoulder their responsibility for it.

A prerequisite for a good working environment is that its standard of safety is continually evaluated, risks are identified and solutions are found to eliminate them. A key role in these efforts is played by work supervisors and the personnel in addition to the occupational safety representative and occupational health care services.

Occupational safety personnel

An occupational safety representative can be elected for every workplace - a mandatory requirement if there are ten or more employees. The occupational safety representative monitors health and safety-related issues at the workplace and is involved in all H&S activities.

If the number of regular employees is more than 200, a special occupational safety committee or similar body is to be appointed. The committee drafts an action plan on an annual basis.

Provisions concerning occupational safety are included in the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Act on the Supervision of Occupational Safety and Health, and the Occupational Health Care Act. Additionally, labour market organizations have concluded agreements regulating occupational safety.