Prosecutor seeks €30,000 fine against Evidensia for workplace safety violations at Omaeläinklinikka in Turku

A Finnish prosecutor is seeking a €30,000 corporate fine against veterinary service provider Evidensia for workplace safety violations. The case centers around the Omaeläinklinikka, located in Turku, which was sold to Evidensia in 2021. The clinic reportedly experienced multiple gas leaks from its anesthetic equipment, specifically isoflurane, on at least three occasions: once in November 2020, again in December 2020, and a third time in January 2021.

The leaks were identified by a clinic staff member who reported the incidents in December 2020. The machine was subsequently put out of service by mid-January 2021. The exposure led the staff member to experience dizziness, headaches, and an increase in migraine attacks. The attending veterinarian also reported symptoms including dizziness, fatigue, and a serious heart condition, which resulted in the installation of a permanent pacemaker after exposure.

The prosecutor asserts that the clinic failed to properly test the anesthetic machines for leaks and did not conduct regular checks of the equipment. Moreover, there appeared to be confusion about workplace safety responsibilities among clinic officials. The complaint alleges that representatives from the employer intentionally or negligently breached safety regulations, allowing for the continued gas leaks by neglecting compliance with safety protocols.

In addition to the corporate fine directed at Evidensia, the prosecutor is also pursuing penalties against the clinic’s former CEO, business director, team leader, and the responsible caregiver.