työsuojeluviranomaisten

Työsuojeluviranomainen is a Finnish term referring to the government body responsible for enforcing occupational safety and health (OSH) laws and promoting safe working conditions. Working within national OSH legislation, the authority ensures compliance with safety standards, conducts inspections, and oversees prevention of work-related injuries and illnesses. Its duties typically include risk assessments, supervision of workplace safety arrangements, investigation of serious accidents, and enforcement actions such as corrective orders and penalties.

In practice, OSH enforcement involves collaboration with employers, employees, and employee representatives. Employers bear the primary responsibility to identify and control risks, ensure safe equipment and procedures, and maintain documentation. Workers have the right to a safe workplace and to report hazards without retaliation. OSH authorities provide guidance, issue regulations, and coordinate with other public bodies on issues like construction safety, chemical handling, and health surveillance.

Procedures usually start with inspections or incident reports, followed by notices to remedy unsafe conditions and, if needed, administrative penalties. Decisions can generally be appealed to a higher administrative body.

Globally, työsuojeluviranomainen-related activities reflect EU OSH directives implemented through national law, emphasizing risk management, training, incident reporting, and continuous improvement of workplace safety. The term is used mainly in Finnish-language contexts to denote the occupational safety authority.