A Notice for Event Organisers – Specifying Interpretations of Construction of Temporary Structures from the Standpoint of Occupational Safety and Health

Occupational safety and health authorities are specifying their interpretations regarding the setting up of temporary structures for events. The interpretations are related to the legislation on occupational safety and health in construction, compliance with which is supervised by the occupational safety and health authorities.

What is “construction” regulated by legislation in the context of events?

• Installation of prefabricated components of stage structures if the work requires separate cranes, lifting devices or aerial access platforms (does not apply to self-erecting stages and tents).
• Setting up stage ceiling, lighting, display, and tent structures if they are set up at the same time as the stage and if separate cranes, lifting devices or aerial access platforms are required for the work. (Note! Setting up the actual event technology separately is not considered construction.)
• Setting up box units.
• So-called stick-built construction on site.
• Setting up and repairing of permanent stands and other similar structures.

You might be working on a shared workplace of many different actors, even if it is not a shared construction site. In this case, the area for work classified as construction must be marked off.

Construction ends when the structure is handed over to the persons responsible for technical outfitting and performance.

What is not considered construction at events from the standpoint of occupational safety and health?

• Transfer of materials or unloading and loading if the situation does not involve installing.
• Pulling a tent or tarpaulin using a crane.
• Using lifting equipment integrated in stage structures for installation work.
• Attaching technology to trusses.
• Separate installation of technology.

What legislation applies to construction?

The Government Decree on the Safety of Construction Work (Government Decree 205/2009) applies to construction. In addition, in the case of a shared construction site, sections of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (2002/738) related to, for example, photo identifications with tax numbers and lists of employees apply.

Further information:
Janne Hokkanen, Senior Officer, +358 295 018 645, firstname.lastname[at]avi.fi
Mikko Koivisto, Senior Officer, +358 295 018 672, firstname.lastname[at]avi.fi
Occupational Safety and Health Division, Regional State Administrative Agency for Western and Inland Finland