First aid preparedness - Yleistä

It is the employer’s responsibility to provide first aid for workers and others in the workplace in the event of an emergency. Employees need to know what to do if someone is injured or suddenly taken ill.

It is the employer’s responsibility to provide first aid kits in the workplace.

A sufficient number of first aid kits must be provided in easily accessible and clearly indicated locations around the workplace. A designated space where first aid can be administered must be provided if necessary due to the number of workers, the nature of the work or other circumstances in the workplace.

One or more employees must be assigned as first aid coordinators, and these individuals must be properly trained and given any necessary equipment.

The necessary level of first aid preparedness is determined by occupational health care professionals

The level of first aid preparedness required in the workplace is determined in connection with the workplace surveys carried out by the employer’s occupational health care provider. First aid preparedness planning includes identifying the first aid skills and equipment needed at the workplace.

If necessary, representatives of civil defence organisations and rescue services can be consulted. The ability to administer first aid in the event of a major accident must be given special attention.

The process also includes establishing a procedure for dealing with post-traumatic stress resulting from work or incidents in the workplace.

First aid preparedness - Lainsäädäntö

 

Legislation

Occupational Health Care Act (1383/2001)

  • Section 12 – Content of occupational health care (subsection 1, paragraph 7: occupational health care provider’s role in the provision of first aid within the meaning of the Occupational Safety and Health Act)

Government Decree on the principles of good occupational health practice, the content of occupational health care and the educational qualifications required of professionals and experts (708/2013)

  • Section 11 – First aid preparedness

Occupational Safety and Health Act (738/2002)

  • Section 46 – First aid

Government Decree on Safety and Health Requirements in Workplaces (577/2003, in Finnish)

  • Section 8 – First aid facilities

Government Decree on safety labelling and minimum labelling standards at workplaces (687/2015, in Finnish)

Government Decree on the Safety of Construction Work (205/2009)

  • Section 74 – First aid and rescue apparatus

Government Decree on the safety of tree harvesting (749/2001, in Finnish)

  • Section 13 – First aid

Government Decree on Chemical Agents at Work (715/2001)

  • Section 9 – Specific prevention and protection measures
  • Section 10 – Hazards arising from the physical properties of chemical agents
  • Section 11 – Accidents as well as hazardous incidents and emergencies

Government Decree on the safety of blasting and excavation works (644/2011, in Finnish)

  • Section 23 – Coordination of emergency evacuations

Government Decree on occupational safety in the loading and unloading of ships (633/2004)

  • Section 22 – Life-saving equipment