Tapaturma

Tapaturma is a Finnish term meaning an injury caused by an accident. It covers injuries resulting from unexpected events, such as a fall, collision, burn, or other external force affecting the body. The term is used in everyday language as well as in legal and social security contexts.

In Finnish labor and social security systems, there is a distinction between työtapaturma, a work-related accident, and ammattitauti, an occupational disease that arises from work conditions over time. The umbrella term tapaturma may be used for accidents not tied to employment.

Workers are typically protected by työtapaturmavakuutus, an accident insurance provided by employers and required by law for most employees. This insurance covers medical treatment, rehabilitation, and compensation for lost earnings resulting from the accident. Occupational diseases (ammattitauti) are covered under separate schemes, with eligibility depending on the link between the disease and work exposure.

In case of a tapaturma, the injured person or a witness should report the accident to the employer as soon as possible. The employer is generally responsible for notifying the insurance provider and initiating any required formalities. Preventive measures include safety protocols, risk assessments, and training to reduce the incidence of tapaturma in workplaces and other settings.