Weekend inspections target foreign labor compliance on construction sites in Southern Finland
LEHTIKUVA
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The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) of the Southern Finland Regional State Administrative Agency conducted several unannounced inspections during weekends in 2023, targeting the use of foreign labor on construction sites across Helsinki, Vantaa, Espoo, and Tuusula. These actions underscore the agency’s role as the regional authority in enforcing workplace safety and labor laws.
The inspections revealed multiple instances where there was reason to suspect that employers had not paid the required overtime and Sunday work compensations to their workers. These cases are subject to ongoing supervision to ensure compliance with labor laws.
Illegal employment was identified on only one construction site, where a foreign worker was found performing tasks without the proper work authorization granted by their residence permit. Safety inspections also noted minor deficiencies in the use of protective gear, scaffolding safety, access routes, and site cleanliness.
Additionally, the inspections scrutinized compliance with identification card usage and contractor obligations to maintain a worker registry, which are critical for transparency and accountability on construction projects.
Conducted without prior notice, these inspections aim to prevent the exploitation of foreign workers in the construction industry, a sector known for its high risk of labor violations. Besides construction sites, the Southern Finland OSHA also conducts foreign labor inspections in sectors like the restaurant industry and carries out audits related to contractor responsibilities.
In 2023, seven weekend inspections were carried out on construction sites, with more sites observed but not actively working at the time of inspection, hence not scrutinized. The agency plans to continue its weekend supervision of construction sites this year, reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding workers’ rights and ensuring fair labor practices in the industry.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
