The employer must give employees the necessary training and instructions on risk prevention and correct accident procedure if there are substances present in the workplace which could lead to a major accident or if the work otherwise involves a risk of major accidents. The employer must organise exercises and emergency drills at the workplace.

The risk of major accidents may be present in such facilities as explosives factories, power plants and mines, as well as in the manufacture, storage and use of chemicals that are inflammable, explosive or harmful to health.

Preventing the risk of major accidents

The employer must ensure that necessary measures are always taken at the workplace to prevent the risk of major accidents and to mitigate the consequences. When carrying out an analysis and assessment of the risks at work, as specified in Section 10 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (738/2002), the employer must also assess the risk of major accidents at the workplace.

The employer should pay special attention to preparing for the risk of major accidents caused by repairs, maintenance work, modifications or other similar activities.

When the employer is drawing up or editing workplace safety documents, the employer must discuss the matters related to the safety and health of employees with the employees or their representatives. Employees must strictly follow the regulations and instructions given by their employer to prevent the risk of major accidents.

Employees must be given instructions on what to do in the event of an accident

It is the employer’s duty to give the employees sufficient training and instructions on risk prevention and on the correct rescue procedures for accidents. The employer must also organise emergency drills and exercises to ensure that the organisation’s plans, capabilities, trainings and instructions are adequate and that they work in practice.

The employer’s duties are laid down in the Act on the Safe Handling of Dangerous Chemicals and Explosives (390/2005). According to the Act, it is the employer’s duty to take action to prevent the risk of major chemical accidents and to draw up a major accident prevention policy or a safety report and an internal emergency plan. The body responsible for the supervision of these safety measures is the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes).

Work must be planned taking the risk of accidents into account

In addition to the risk of major accidents, employers also need to be prepared for other emergencies, such as the risk of fires, explosions or drowning. Further information is available on page Accident prevention.