Geological Survey of Finland Convicted of an Occupational Safety Offence
The District Court of North Karelia has sentenced the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) to a corporate fine of EUR 30,000 and a victim surcharge of EUR 800 in connection with an occupational accident that occurred in May 2024 at the GTK Mintec pilot plant in Outokumpu. The accident resulted in temporary hearing-related harm to an employee caused by noise.
In the accident, an employee was transferring liquid nitrogen from a larger container into a smaller nitrogen canister in accordance with an established working practice. Because the nitrogen canister was defective internally, liquid nitrogen leaked onto the floor, causing a loud noise.
GTK has sought to operate diligently, and employees have been trained in safe working practices and the safe use of equipment. Training has also been provided on the safe handling of chemicals. In addition, various forms of written documentation have been in use, including instructions related to chemical safety.
According to the prosecutor, however, GTK should be subject to a corporate fine because sufficient care and caution were not exercised in its operations to prevent the accident. In particular, the prosecutor drew attention to deficiencies in written risk assessments and safety instructions.
The renewal of the GTK Mintec pilot plant is currently under way, and the new pilot plant is scheduled to open in 2028. GTK Mintec’s new laboratory and office facilities were completed earlier. Improving occupational safety has played a key role in the design of the new facilities. A programme focused on enhancing overall occupational safety at GTK Mintec was launched in March 2024, and comprehensive risk assessments covering all GTK Mintec operations have been carried out as part of the programme.
“We take occupational safety seriously. We will learn from this matter and review it thoroughly to ensure that all necessary occupational safety measures have been implemented and that the written documentation is adequate,” says Saku Vuori, Director General of GTK.
Further information
Previous news: Suspected Neglect of Occupational Safety Obligations at GTK Mintec
Saku Vuori
Director General
Geological Survey of Finland (GTK)
Media enquiries through GTK Communications: viestinta@gtk.fi
