Emergency work

Emergency work can only be performed in exceptional circumstances as specified in the Finnish Working Time Act, when an unpredictable event causes a danger to life, health or possessions. An example of such an event is a major accident.

Shortage of staff due to sudden absences by sick employees does not constitute as grounds for ordering other employees to emergency work.

An employee must, without delay, submit a written notification to occupational safety and health authorities about the cause, scope and likely duration of the emergency work. The notification must have a statement from the union representative, or – if one has not been elected – from the occupational safety and health representative.