Employer's PPE Obligations on Finnish Construction Sites

On a Finnish construction site the employer is responsible for making sure every worker has the right personal protective equipment (PPE), knows how to use it and actually wears it. This guide sums up what the rules say, who pays, what the construction decree lists as mandatory and how to check that equipment is legal to use at work. For the worker's point of view, see our guide Mandatory PPE on Finnish construction sites.

The rules in brief

• Occupational Safety and Health Act (Työturvallisuuslaki 738/2002) – the employer's general duty of care (section 8), hazard identification and risk assessment (section 10), the duty to provide PPE (section 15) and the worker's duty to use PPE and suitable work clothing (section 20).
• Government Decree on the selection and use of PPE at work (427/2021) – how PPE is chosen, issued, maintained and how workers are instructed. In force since 1 August 2021.
• Government Decree on the safety of construction work (VNa 205/2009) – construction-specific rules, including section 71 on the need for PPE in construction work.
• PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425 – product rules that manufacturers must meet before PPE can be sold in the EU, including CE marking.

The Finnish occupational safety authority explains these rules in plain language at tyosuojelu.fi.

What section 71 of the construction decree requires

Section 71 of VNa 205/2009 is short. On a construction site:

• a safety helmet must be used;
• eye protection must be used as the work and working conditions require;
• safety footwear must generally be used;
• reflective warning clothing must be worn so that the worker is clearly visible;
• work on roads, streets and other traffic areas has its own, separate rules on warning clothing.

The decree does not name EN standards or hi-vis classes. In practice main contractors expect helmets tested to EN 397, hi-vis garments certified to EN ISO 20471 and safety footwear to EN ISO 20345, and many site rules set stricter minimums – for example hi-vis class 2 on the upper body or S3 boots. Read the site rules before you order.

Who pays for PPE?

According to the occupational safety authority, the employer bears the cost of PPE when the equipment is selected on the basis of the risk assessment, or when legislation for the sector requires it. On a construction site that covers at least the items listed in section 71. Collective agreements may contain further terms on protective equipment and its cost, so check the agreement that applies to your company.

Self-employed workers buy their own equipment. They still have to follow the site rules, and main contractors routinely turn away anyone who arrives without the required PPE.

The duties do not end at the purchase

Under the PPE decree 427/2021 and the authority's guidance, the employer must also:

• Assess the hazards and choose PPE that protects against them and fits the worker. Update the assessment when the work or conditions change.
• Issue PPE for personal use, unless circumstances require otherwise. If an item is shared, make sure it stays safe and hygienic for each user.
• State when PPE must be used and put up signs where it is required.
• Instruct and train workers in correct and safe use.
• Arrange storage, cleaning, maintenance and repair so the equipment keeps its protective properties, and replace damaged or outdated items.
• Supervise that PPE is used as instructed.

The worker, in turn, must use the PPE provided, store and look after it according to the instructions and report any damaged equipment to the employer.

CE marking: how to check that PPE is legal to use

Only CE-marked PPE may be used at work. Regulation (EU) 2016/425 divides PPE into three risk categories:

When you receive PPE, check that:

• the CE mark is on the product (or on the packaging if marking the product is not possible);
• the standard and performance markings are there, such as EN ISO 20471 class 2 on a hi-vis jacket;
• user instructions are included in a language required in the country of use;
• the EU declaration of conformity is supplied, or the instructions give a web address where it can be found.

A practical starting point for a small contractor

1. Write the PPE needs for each job role into the risk assessment.
2. Define a basic kit per worker: an EN 397 helmet such as the Portwest PS63, a hi-vis outer layer such as the BoSafety RICO class 2 t-shirt, S3 boots such as the Pesso B249, safety glasses such as the Active Gear V110 and task-specific work gloves.
3. Keep a simple list of who received what and when. It makes replacements and new hires easier to handle.
4. Add role-specific items, such as hearing or respiratory protection, from the risk assessment.

The ready workwear kits combine a hi-vis jacket, work trousers and safety footwear per worker. Companies with a valid EU VAT number from outside Estonia can buy without VAT – see VAT 0% for EU companies and our page for companies.

FAQ

Does the employer also have to provide ordinary work clothes?

Ordinary work clothes are not PPE. The hi-vis clothing required on site is protective equipment and falls under the PPE rules. Whether the employer provides other work clothing depends on the collective agreement and the employment contract.

Is a hi-vis vest enough on a construction site?

The decree requires reflective warning clothing but does not specify the garment or class. Many main contractors require a hi-vis jacket or shirt as the outer layer, so the site rules decide.

Do self-employed workers need the same equipment?

Yes, in practice. The site rules apply to everyone on site, and self-employed workers buy their own PPE.

How can I check that a product is certified?

Look for the CE mark and the standard marking on the product and ask the seller for the EU declaration of conformity if it is not included.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Check the current legislation at finlex.fi, the guidance at tyosuojelu.fi and the site rules of the main contractor.