Inspection report reveals safety lapses at construction site in Kaisaniemi, Helsinki following fatal accident

The Regional State Administrative Agency has completed its inspection report concerning a construction site located in Kaisaniemi, Helsinki. In September, a tragic accident occurred at the site when a worker fell into an excavation and lost his life. Following the incident, the agency investigated the situation from the perspective of occupational safety legislation.

Inspector Kai Ruohola noted that one of the reports relates to the park’s renovation site, while the other concerns a drainage excavation within the property near the park. Both projects are overseen by Terrawise.

It is the responsibility of all parties involved in a construction project to ensure that the site does not pose a danger to workers or others in the vicinity. For the Kaisaniemi park renovation, safety documents managed by the city and plans crafted by Terrawise were found to be adequate. However, the specific documents required for the separate drainage excavation were not prepared as mandated.

According to the city, the drainage renovation is a private project by the housing association, without city involvement in its planning. The agency reported that the safety coordinator designated by the association failed to manage the required documentation, which was his responsibility. The coordinator had instead assigned Terrawise to produce these documents.

The excavation that resulted in the fatality is approximately four meters deep. Ruohola emphasized that the agency monitors compliance with regulations but does not address the causes of fatal accidents. He noted the absence of the necessary documentation could have influenced the situation. For the park site, the excavation is only one meter deep, and the depths for the property site differed, which was not reflected in the written plans. The agency is also considering whether to file a preliminary investigation report with the police regarding the case.