Occupational safety and health (OSH)
The MSAH prepares and develops legislation and policies on OSH and deals with international cooperation in this field. The ministry also guides the occupational safety and health work of the The Finnish Supervisory Agency.
Safety and health at work
The MSAH has published policy for the work environment and wellbeing at work until 2030.
The policy aims at fostering healthy and safe work at all workplaces regardless of the form of employment.
- Policy for the work environment and wellbeing at work until 2030. Safe and healthy working conditions and workability for everyone (valto.fi)
- Implementation plan 2024–2027
Occupational safety and health in the workplace
Safety at work results from the combined efforts of employers and employees. Employers are responsible for workplace safety and health as well as OSH activities and the costs of improving the workplace environment.
Employees must also attend to the workplace safety of themselves and other employees. The aim of OSH cooperation is to ensure employee-employee involvement in attending to OSH needs.
Joint OSH activity
Joint employer-employee activity on OSH is based on labour market agreements, Act on Occupational Safety and Health Enforcement and Cooperation on Occupational Safety and Health at Workplaces, 2006, and the Occupational Safety and Health Act, 2002.
- Act on Occupational Safety and Health Enforcement and Cooperation on Occupational Safety and Health at Workplaces, 2006
- Occupational Safety and Health Act, 2002.
Further information on OSH:
Young people and work
Workplace accidnts involving young employees is often due to their insufficient work orientation and guidance.
The Occupational Safety and Health Act compels employers to provide sufficient work orientation, including in the use of equipment.
Under-18-year-olds are subject to stricter regulations concerning working age restrictions and terms of employment.
Incapacity for work due to mental disorders in young adults has increased in recent years. More and more people lose their working careers too early. Young people with mental health problems therefore need special support in their work communities.
Statistics on employment
The Statistics Finland website contains statistics on employment and unemployment, as well as occupational accidents and working conditions.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) produces statistics and compiles statistical databases relating to employment.
A collection of assessments, surveys, studies, statistics, and reports published by the KEHA Centre.
Cross-border cooperation
Most international OSH cooperation is carried out in the EU, the International Labour Organization and with other Nordic countries.
Safety and health at work are one of the most important and progressive areas of EU social policy. Most Finnish legislation on OSH is based on EU directives, the preparation of which involves Finnish specialists.
Occupational safety and health cooperation in the EU
European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) is responsible for improving occupational safety, occupational health and productivity in European workplaces.
The national focal point of EU-OSHA in Finland is Finnish Institute of Occupational Health.
The Focal Point appoints representatives to the Agency’s expert groups and participates in European occupational health and safety campaigns.
The Senior Labour Inspectors’ Committee SLIC is a cooperation body for the EU Member States’ occupational safety and health authorities. It operates in connection with the Commission. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is represented in the Committee.
The Advisory Committee on Safety and Health at Work in connection with the Commission deals with questions of occupational safety and health on a tripartite basis.
The Committee has working groups related to the preparation and monitoring of directives and the development of various sectors of occupational safety and health.
International Labour Organisation ILO
The ILO prepares Conventions and Recommendations on occupational health and safety. Governments as well as employer and employee organisations participate in the work of the ILO.
The Finnish Tripartite ILO Committee and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment coordinate the Finnish ILO cooperation.
The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health prepares matters related to ILO Conventions and Recommendations if they fall under the ministry’s mandate.
Nordic cooperation
The Nordic Council and the Nordic Council of Ministers are responsible for the official Nordic cooperation. The Nordic Council of Ministers for Labour handles working environment matters.
Cooperation in the field of working environment is based on a working environment agreement and fixed-term working life cooperation programmes.