Ulkotyö

Ulkotyö, literally “outdoor work,” refers to tasks performed outside the interiors of buildings and facilities. It covers a broad range of occupations and activities, including construction, road and utility maintenance, forestry, agriculture, landscape and park work, and outdoor event setup. In practice, ulkotyö also includes field research, surveying, and certain industrial activities conducted in outdoor environments.

Because outdoor work exposes workers to weather and natural conditions, ulkotyö requires careful planning, risk assessment, and appropriate protective measures. Common considerations include temperature extremes, precipitation, wind, noise, traffic, and the operation of heavy machinery. Typical safety measures encompass high-visibility clothing, protective headgear, weather-appropriate outerwear, eye and hearing protection, and fall protection where necessary. Work schedules are often aligned with daylight hours and seasonal conditions to enhance visibility and reduce fatigue.

Regulatory and practical frameworks guide ulkotyö in many countries. In Finland, for example, employers are responsible for ensuring safe working conditions under occupational safety and health regulations, including risk assessment and provision of training and personal protective equipment. Workers may receive instruction in first aid, machinery use, and weather-aware planning. Effective management of ulkotyö also involves planning for breaks, access to shelter or warm facilities during severe conditions, and procedures for severe weather or emergencies.

The term is commonly used in Nordic and other contexts to describe a substantial portion of the labor market, particularly in infrastructure, primary industries, and municipal services.