All workplaces must have an occupational safety and health manager who represents the employer in occupational safety and health cooperation. The employer may carry out the duties of an occupational safety and health manager or appoint a representative. The term of office of the occupational safety and health manager is not restricted by law. 

The occupational safety and health manager must have the required qualifications and prerequisites to carry out their duties

The employer is responsible for ensuring that the occupational safety and health manager has the necessary qualifications and for the orientation and activities of the manager. 

The occupational safety and health manager must

• be familiar with the conditions of the workplace
• have the adequate qualifications with regard to the conditions of the workplace
• be familiar with occupational safety and health legislation. 

Familiarity and qualifications must be kept up to date and complemented, if necessary. The occupational safety and health manager must have the prerequisites to process matters related to occupational safety and health cooperation and to make practical arrangements concerning the cooperation.

Duties and responsibilities of the occupational safety and health manager

The occupational safety and health manager is responsible for arranging and developing the occupational safety and health cooperation activities at the workplace. It is not required for the occupational safety and health manager to be a member of the occupational safety and health committee, but they must be present in the committee’s meetings.

The duties of the occupational safety and health manager are:

• assist the employer and supervisors in securing the occupational safety and health expertise required at the workplace
• initiate, support and develop the occupational safety and health cooperation between the employer and employees
• participate in the activities of the occupational safety and health committee
• cooperate with occupational safety and health authorities
• cooperate with the occupational health care service provider.

The occupational safety and health manager is not automatically responsible for ensuring compliance with the applicable occupational safety and health provisions. Instead, the employer and the supervisors with specific tasks concerning occupational safety and health designated by the employer are responsible for compliance. 

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