Deficiencies in the occupational safety of entrepreneurs were highlighted during the themed investigation into fatal accidents at work

The themed in­ves­ti­ga­tion by the Safety In­ves­ti­ga­tion Au­thor­ity into fa­tal ac­ci­dents at work dur­ing 2023 has been com­pleted. Dur­ing the mon­i­tor­ing pe­riod in 2023, there were 23 fa­tal ac­ci­dents at work within the lim­its set by the in­ves­ti­ga­tion team.

In 2023, the highest number of fatal accidents at work occurred in agriculture and forestry. In the sector, the risk of accidents at work is increased by the changing conditions and the wide variety of tasks that are mainly carried out alone. All of the deceased were men, and their average age was 49 years. In most of the fatal accidents at work, the victims worked alone. In the long term, the number of fatal accidents at work has significantly decreased in Finland. Most of the fatal accidents at work occur in sectors with a high risk such as construction, industry, transport as well as agriculture and forestry.

“In our investigation, it was found that working alone involves taking conscious risks and even acting against the instructions. In most cases, the aim was to advance and streamline the work at the cost of safety at work,” says Hannu Hänninen, the Investigator-in-Charge.

The investigation showed deficiencies especially in the occupational safety of entrepreneurs, because the occupational safety competence of entrepreneurs is largely based on their own initiative. In small companies, deficiencies were discovered in identifying both the risks related to the work as well as the occupational safety duties included in the role of an employer. In larger companies, deficiencies were found especially in the coordination of work and the flow of information between the parties.

As a general safety observation, the Safety Investigation Authority highlights the importance of regularly checking that the defibrillator is in good working order and that it is maintained in accordance with the maintenance instructions.

Based on the themed investigation, the Safety Investigation Authority issues four recommendations, one of which is targeted at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health for improving the occupational safety practices of entrepreneurs. Three other recommendations focus on sector-specific measures in the taxi sector, yard maintenance, and the surface rescue activities of the Finnish Defence Forces.