Suojariskien

Suojariskien is a Finnish term used in risk management and safety discourse to refer to hazards or risks that require protective measures to prevent harm to people, property, or the environment. The expression is formed from suojasta or suoja, meaning protection, and risk, highlighting the need for safeguards to reduce potential damage.

In practice, suojariskien are identified and evaluated as part of risk assessment processes. This typically involves recognizing potential sources of harm, estimating the likelihood of occurrence, and assessing the possible consequences. The goal is to prioritize protective actions and allocate resources to areas where the risk to health, safety, or assets is highest. The concept is applied across various domains, including occupational safety, public health, and environmental protection, as well as in product design and facility management.

Control measures for suojariskien follow the risk management hierarchy: elimination or substitution of the hazard where feasible, engineering controls to reduce exposure, administrative controls to change practices, and the use of personal protective equipment when other measures do not fully mitigate the risk. Effective handling of suojariskien also relies on clear communication, training, and regular monitoring to ensure that protective measures remain appropriate as conditions change.

Etymologically, suojariskien translates roughly to “of protective risks” or “of safety hazards.” While the term is commonly used in Finnish safety contexts, its exact definition may vary with industry, regulations, and risk assessment frameworks. It is typically viewed as a component of proactive safety management rather than a stand-alone concept.