ABB contractor’s worker dies in Vaasa fall without fall protection

A worker employed by an ABB contractor died after falling from a roof in Vaasa on Tuesday, and none of the four people working on the roof had fall protection, police told Yle.

The worker fell from a flat roof with a small raised edge, about 10 metres above the ground. The accident happened at around 10.30 a.m. in the Strömberg Park area, where the four people were carrying out roofing work. The worker died at the scene.

Police said no one on the roof had protection such as guardrails or safety harnesses. Investigator Timo Lahti said technical safeguards, including guardrails, should be used first to prevent falls, with harnesses as a secondary measure.

Police initially said three people had been on the roof, but Lahti later confirmed there were four. The deceased was working on a roofing job at an ABB building.

Police have opened an investigation to determine the cause of death and a separate preliminary investigation into a suspected occupational safety offence. They are investigating the incident with occupational safety authorities.

ABB said it was deeply saddened by the death and offered its condolences to the worker’s family. The company said it was supporting the authorities’ investigation and would not provide further details while it was under way. ABB added that it would review the incident internally and offer support to those who need it.