Court upholds sentence for former CEO of Vauhti Speed in Joensuu

The Court of Appeal has upheld a sentence imposed on the former CEO of a ski wax factory in Joensuu for violations of occupational safety regulations. This ruling pertains to a fire that occurred in November 2021 at Vauhti Speed, which resulted in the destruction of the company’s production facilities and injuries to three employees, one of whom was seriously hurt.

Last November, the North Karelia District Court sentenced the then-CEO to a fine of 40 days’ wages for failing to provide proper guidance to workers and not adequately identifying occupational risks. Additionally, Vauhti Speed was fined a total of €40,000 as a company penalty. The CEO and Vauhti Speed appealed the decision to the Eastern Finland Court of Appeal, which now operates under the name Oy Patrol Trading Ab.

The Court of Appeal did not alter the District Court’s ruling, although it adjusted the monetary amount of the CEO’s fine from €4,200 to €3,680 due to changed income circumstances. The case remains open for potential appeal to the Supreme Court, should they grant permission to do so.