Investigation of Fatal Workplace Accidents as TVK's Statutory Task
The TOT investigation led by the Finnish Workers' Compensation Center will continue its operations again in 2025.
As a result of the legislative amendment that enter into force at the beginning of 2025, the investigation of workplace accidents (so called TOT investigation) is one of the statutory duties of the Workers' Compensation Center.
"The legislative reform strengthened the legal basis for TOT activities and, at the same time, extended it to also cover accidents at work of operators mentioned in section 5 of the Farmers' Accidents at Work and Occupational Diseases Act," says Mika Tynkkynen, Director of TVK's Research Unit.
According to Tynkkynen, the legislative reform work now carried out will enable accident investigation activities to continue in today's operating environment.
"In essence, the operations will continue while maintaining the tried and tested principles."
Long history of workplace accident investigation and TOT operations
TVK and its predecessor, the Federation of Accident Insurance Institutions (TVL), have a long tradition of investigating serious accidents at work. The investigation of catastrophic occupational accidents was agreed upon under the leadership of the TVL, and operations began in 1971. Regular investigations into all fatal accidents at work began in 1985.
In total, 955 separate accidents have been investigated and reported throughout the investigation history, resulting in 1,060 deaths.
TOT activities were suspended in autumn 2022, when preparations for the legislative measures necessary for the continuation of operations began.
News from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health 19.12.2024: Provisions on the investigation of workplace accidents carried out by the Workers' Compensation Center will in future be laid down in law (News only in Finnish/Swedish)
TVK’s newest animation: Work safety - Fatal accidents at work 2023
In 2023, there were 23 fatal workplace accidents in Finland. The most common type of accident involved the victim being trapped under a heavy load or object while working. Other common accident types included falling from heights and getting caught in the moving parts of a work machine.
The information presented in the animation is based on the Work-Related Fatalities 2023 thematic investigation conducted by the Safety Investigation Authority. The investigation examined fatal accidents that occurred in work and work-like conditions in Finland. The goal is to prevent accidents and promote safety.
Animaatio Työkuolemat 2023 | Työtapaturmatieto (The animation is also in English)