Workplace First Aid Requirements in Finland: What the Law Actually Says

How many first aid trained employees does your company need? What first aid equipment must be available at the workplace? These are questions many employers in Finland struggle to answer. The truth is, Finnish legislation doesn’t provide one-size-fits-all numbers – and for good reason.

The Law Starts with Risk Assessment

In Finland, workplace first aid preparedness is regulated by three key pieces of legislation:
– Occupational Health Care Act (1383/2001)
– Occupational Safety and Health Act (738/2002)
– Government Decree on Safety and Health Requirements at Workplaces (577/2003)

None of these specify that “you need one first aider per 10 employees.” Instead, the law requires employers to assess their workplace risks and scale first aid preparedness accordingly.

Section 46 of the Occupational Safety Act – What Does It Mean in Practice?

Section 46 states that employers must be prepared for accidents and dangerous situations. In practice, this means:

1. Sufficient Number of First Aid Trained Personnel
– Office work: Often 1 trained person per 10-20 employees is sufficient
– Construction sites: Higher needs due to increased risks
– Shift work: Each shift must have trained personnel

2. Appropriate First Aid Equipment
– Location: Easily accessible
– Quantity: According to workplace size and risks
– Quality: Based on specific workplace hazards (e.g., eye wash stations for chemical handling)

3. Emergency Response Procedures
– Written instructions
– Regular drills
– All employees must be oriented

Risk Assessment – The Foundation of First Aid Preparedness

Employers must assess together with occupational health services:

Nature of Work and Risks

– Low risk: Office work, light service work
– Moderate risk: Warehouse work, retail
– High risk: Construction, industry, chemicals

Workplace Characteristics

– Number of employees
– Location (distance to healthcare services)
– Solo work situations
– Number of customers or visitors

Work Time Arrangements

– Day work vs. shift work
– Weekend work
– Night work

First Aid Training Levels in Finland

Finland has three official first aid training levels:

Emergency First Aid (4h)
– CPR
– Emergency calls
– Bleeding control
– Suitable for: Low-risk workplaces

First Aid 1 (EA1, 16h)
– Emergency first aid + broader skills
– Unconscious casualty care
– Wounds and shock
– Suitable for: Most workplaces

First Aid 2 (EA2, 16h)
– EA1 + advanced skills
– Fractures and dislocations
– Medical emergencies
– Suitable for: High-risk workplaces

Practical Examples from Different Workplaces

Office (30 employees)

– Minimum recommendation: 2-3 EA1 trained
– Equipment: First aid cabinet on each floor
– Special consideration: AED recommended

Grocery Store (15 employees, 2 shifts)

– Minimum recommendation: 4-5 EA1 trained (covering both shifts)
– Equipment: First aid cabinet, cold packs
– Special consideration: Customer first aid preparedness

Metal Industry Production Plant (100 employees, 3 shifts)

– Minimum recommendation: 10-15 EA2 trained
– Equipment: First aid room, eye wash stations, burn treatment supplies
– Special consideration: Chemical injury response

Employer’s Checklist

✓ Conduct Risk Assessment with Occupational Health Services
– Document the assessment
– Update regularly

✓ Arrange Sufficient Training
– Choose appropriate training level
– Ensure refresher training (every 2-3 years)

✓ Acquire Appropriate Equipment
– Scale to workplace needs
– Check regularly

✓ Create Action Procedures
– Write clear instructions
– Orient all employees

✓ Maintain Preparedness
– Designate responsible persons
– Practice regularly

The Labour Protection Authority’s Perspective

During inspections, authorities focus on:
– Has a risk assessment been conducted?
– Does first aid preparedness match assessed risks?
– Are training certifications current?
– Are equipment and instructions available?

Inspectors don’t look for a specific number of first aiders but rather that preparedness matches actual workplace needs.

The Question of Liability

If an accident occurs and first aid preparedness is inadequate, employers may face:
– Occupational safety violations
– Liability for damages
– Increased insurance premiums
– Reputational damage

Key Takeaways

Workplace first aid preparedness isn’t just about ticking legal boxes – it’s an investment in employee safety and wellbeing. Well-organized first aid preparedness:
– Reduces the severity of accident consequences
– Increases employees’ sense of security
– Improves company reputation as a responsible employer
– May lower insurance premiums

Remember: the law provides the framework, but every workplace is different. Conduct your risk assessment thoroughly and scale your first aid preparedness accordingly. This way you’ll fulfill both the letter and spirit of the law.

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Sources:
– Occupational Safety and Health Act (738/2002)
– Occupational Health Care Act (1383/2001)
– Government Decree 577/2003
– Labour Protection Authority Guidelines

Further Information: Finnish Labour Protection Authority