Promoting jobs, protecting people
NATLEX
Database of national labour, social security and related human rights legislation

Finland >

Original name: Työturvallisuuslaki
Name: Occupational Safety and Health Act (738/2002).
Country: Finland
Subject(s): Occupational safety and health
Type of legislation: Law, Act
Adopted on: 2002-08-23
Entry into force:
Published on: Soumen Säädöskokoelma, 2002-08-30, No. 738, pp. 3695-3711
ISN: FIN-2002-L-62320
Link: https://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/natlex4.detail?p_isn=62320&p_lang=en
Bibliography: Soumen Säädöskokoelma, 2002-08-30, No. 738, pp. 3695-3711
Unofficial English translation Unofficial English translation FINLEX, Ministry of Justice, Finland PDF PDF (consulted on 2011-05-27)
Acts on-line in Finnish and Swedish Acts on-line in Finnish and Swedish FINLEX, Ministry of Justice, Finland PDF PDF (consulted on 2022-01-13)
Abstract/Citation: Contains 68 sections covering, inter alia, objectives (improvement of work environment, prevention of occupational injuries and diseases) and scope of application, employers' general obligations (care for workers' occupational safety and health; evaluation of risks at work; work involving special risks; planification of work environment; guidance for workers; provision of personal protective equipment), cooperation between employers and workers, workers' obligations and right to refuse work (reporting of errors and deficiencies; work clothes and equipment; workers' right to refuse to execute work in specified circumstances), specific provisions regarding work conditions (ergonomics; risk for violence at work; harassment; dangerous work executed by single worker; night work; ventilation and light at work; chemical and dangerous substances; machinery and occupational safety; risks for occupational injuries; alarm and rescue work), specific situations (information and cooperation at common work places;obligations for employers and self-employed at common work places), obligations for other persons whose activities influence work environment (manufacturers of products; persons installing work equipment and machinery; persons in transport of dangerous goods), penal sanctions and miscellaneous. Repeals Occupational Health and Safety Act (No. 299 of 1958). Unofficial English translation available.
Amending text(s):
  • 2013-05-24 (FIN-2013-L-97915)Act (364/2013) amending the Occupational Safety and Health Act (738/2002).
  • 2013-05-03 (FIN-2013-L-97914)Act (329/2013) amending the Occupational Safety and Health Act (738/2002).
  • 2012-06-15 (FIN-2012-L-94593)Act (396/2012) amending the Occupational Safety and Health Act (738/2002).
  • 2008-11-14 (FIN-2008-L-87292)Act (709/2008) amending the Occupational Safety and Health Act (738/2002).
  • 2007-05-11 (FIN-2007-L-79779)Act (No. 562 of 2007) amending the Occupational Safety and Health Act (Labour Protection Act) (No. 738 of 2002).
  • 2006-01-20 (FIN-2006-L-73025)Act (No. 53 of 2006) to repeal s. 51(2) of the Labour Protection Act (No. 738 of 2002).
  • 2005-12-22 (FIN-2005-L-72991)Act (No. 1199 of 2005) to amend the Labour Protection Act (No. 738 of 2002).
Implementing text(s):
  • 2021-05-20 (FIN-2021-R-112220)Government Decree (427/2021) on the Selection and Use of Personal Protective Equipment at Work.
  • 2020-09-01 (FIN-2020-R-112389)Ministry of Social Affairs and Health Decree on Concentrations known to be Harmful (654/2020).
  • 2019-12-12 (FIN-2019-R-112221)Government Decree on Combating the risk of Occupational Cancer (1267/2019).
  • 2017-12-14 (FIN-2017-R-112385)Government Decree on Protection of Workers from the Dangers of Biological Agents (933/2017).
  • 2015-06-25 (FIN-2015-R-112386)Government Decree on the Safety of Asbestos Work (798/2015).
  • 2011-06-16 (FIN-2011-R-90576)Council of State Ordinance (644/2011) concerning safety during blasting and excavation operations.
  • 2010-02-25 (FIN-2010-R-89165)Council of State Ordinance (146/2010) on the protection of workers from risks arising from exposure to optical radiation.
  • 2009-07-01 (FIN-2009-L-87580)Ministry of Social Affairs and Health Ordinance (557/2009) on concentrations found to be harmful.
  • 2009-03-26 (FIN-2009-R-87425)Government Regulation on Safety in Construction (205/2009).
  • 2008-06-12 (FIN-2008-R-87137)Council of State Ordinance (403/2008) on the Safe Use and Inspection of Work Equipment.
  • 2006-01-26 (FIN-2006-R-73028)Government Decree on the Protection of Workers from the Dangers of Noise (85/2006)
  • 2005-01-27 (FIN-2005-R-74952)Government Decree on the Protection of Workers from the Dangers of Vibration (48/2005)
  • 2004-11-26 (FIN-2004-L-74951)Act No. 1016 of 2004 on the compliance with requirements of technical equipment.
  • 2004-07-01 (FIN-2004-R-67979)Council of State Ordinance (633/2004) respecting workers' protection in connection with the loading and unloading of ships.
  • 2003-06-18 (FIN-2003-R-65003)State Council Ordinance (No. 576 of 2003) to prevent danger that explosive atmosphere may cause to workers.
  • 2003-06-18 (FIN-2003-R-65004)Government Decree on Occupational Safety and Health Requirements (577/2003).
  • 2003-06-18 (FIN-2003-R-65005)State Council Ordinance (No. 578 of 2003) on prefabricated construction work.
  • 1989-04-27 (FIN-1989-R-112388)Government Decision on Containers Containing Dangerous Goods and their Labelling (421/1989).
Related text(s):
  • 2014-12-30 (FIN-2014-L-101087)Act (1345/2014) amending the Act (759/2004) on the Protection of Privacy in Working Life.
  • 2012-12-28 (FIN-2012-L-94474)Act (916/2012) on Public Employment and Corporate Services.
  • 2012-06-15 (FIN-2012-L-94473)Act (395/2012) on the Working and Living Environment of the Crew and Food Supply on Board Ships.
  • 2002-08-23 (FIN-2002-L-62321)Act (No. 747 of 2002) to amend section 8a of the Labour Market Subsidies Act (No. 1542 of 1993).

© Copyright and permissions 1996-2014 International Labour Organization (ILO) | Privacy policy | Disclaimer