The occupational safety card has established itself as a fundamental tool in Finnish working life, particularly in shared workplaces. Although there is no direct legal obligation to obtain it, the card serves as concrete proof of safety competence. Regular renewal ensures that information remains up to date and keeps the workplace safe.
Why does the occupational safety card need to be renewed?
The health and safety card is valid for five years. After that, the employee must complete a refresher course to ensure the card remains valid. This five-year cycle is no coincidence – safety requirements and working environments are constantly changing. By renewing the card, the employee ensures that their skills meet current requirements.
Renewal strengthens the safety culture
Renewing a certificate is not just an administrative obligation. It is part of a wider aim to maintain and develop a safety culture in the workplace. Up-to-date training supports employees’ ability to identify hazards and take preventive action – it fosters a shared understanding of safe working practices, particularly when working for multiple employers.
The renewal process is flexible and straightforward
To take part in the course, your previous card must still be valid. Holders of an expired card must retake the entire basic training course. At the start of the course, participants must present their previous card number to verify their identity and eligibility to take part in the renewal training.
The key themes of the course are:
- identification of hazards and stress factors
- principles of safe working
- the basics of health and safety at work and induction training
What does the law say about the health and safety card?
The occupational safety card is not a statutory requirement, but it is underpinned by the employer’s obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act. The employer must ensure that employees receive adequate induction training, and the health and safety card is a practical way of demonstrating that this induction obligation has been met.
Many employers require an occupational safety card, even though there is no specific legal obligation to do so. The card has become standard practice, particularly in sectors where people work in varied or shared working environments.
Sectors in which the card is, in practice, compulsory
- Construction sector: an occupational safety card is required at almost all building sites
- Industry: In the metal, chemical and forestry industries, a card is a standard requirement
- Shipyards: all employees are required to hold a card
- Energy sector: particularly at power stations, a card is often compulsory
- Logistics and transport: a licence is a general requirement for work in warehouses and terminals
More than just a formality
Renewing an occupational safety card is not merely a routine procedure. It is a way of ensuring that employees’ skills meet the demands of a changing world of work. Renewal supports employers’ statutory obligations and strengthens the safety culture in the workplace.
In shared workplaces in particular, the card serves to ensure a common language and understanding of safety. Although the card is not a legal requirement, its value in creating a safe working environment is undeniable.
Renewal of the occupational safety card