lykkäystilanteet

The term “lykkäystilanne” is a Finnish expression that translates literally to “risk situation” and refers to any circumstance in which the probability of an accident or injury is increased. It is widely used in occupational safety and health contexts, particularly within the Finnish system of risk assessment and management, and also appears in broader public safety discussions.

A lykäystilante is identified through systematic hazard recognition: a hazard is anything that can potentially cause harm, while a risk situation incorporates the conditions that could trigger the hazard. Typical examples include the presence of hazardous chemicals, working near heavy machinery, operating at heights, or operating in confined spaces. The severity of a lykäystilanne is evaluated in terms of both likelihood and potential consequences. The Finnish Safety Disposal Agency (VTT) and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health provide guidelines for assessing these factors and recommending controls.

Risk control measures in a lykäystilanne follow a hierarchy: elimination or substitution of the hazard, engineering controls that modify the physical environment, administrative controls such as training and procedures, and finally personal protective equipment. Employers are required to document risk assessments and implement suitable mitigation strategies as part of Finland’s legal framework for occupational health and safety.

Beyond the workplace, lykäystilanteet also appear in public safety planning, such as emergency evacuation routes, traffic safety, and environmental hazard monitoring. The concept is integral to Finland’s proactive approach to risk prevention, supporting a culture of continuous improvement in safety practices.