Has a risk assessment already been done in your workplace?
Photo: Eeva Anundi
The employer is responsible for the safety and health of employees and for assessing hazards and risks, reminds Erika Kähärä, PAM's work environment expert.
The employer must assess the hazards and risks both collectively and on an individual basis. Collectively means, for example, that the employer provides workers with protective equipment and directs and supervises their use. The situation of employees belonging to risk groups is assessed individually in cooperation with occupational health representative and the employer.
The need to implement corona-related protection measures at each workplace is based on the workplace's own risk assessment. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the employer must use a qualified expert in the risk assessment, which in this case would naturally be occupational health care, Kähärä continues.
“So it is not enough for the risk assessment that the supervisor just states that there is no risk. Nor can a risk assessment be left to the workplace's occupational health representative, who often is not a health care professionals in private service workplaces. The ultimate responsibility always lies with the employer. ”
If no risk assessment has been performed in your workplace
Step 1: Talk to your supervisor.
Step 2: If the matter does not proceed with the help of a supervisor, contact your workplace safety representative.
Step 3: Ultimately, contact the Regional State Administrative Agency, which is responsible for monitoring the implementation of legislation in your area.
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