Finland

Fact Sheet Finland

Basis principle

The Workers’ Compensation Insurance is a statutory part of the social security system in Finland. (Workers’ Compensation Act, 459/2015), It covers both accidents at work and occupational diseases. Insurance is provided by private non-life insurance companies that have legal authority to issue Workers’ Compensation insurance in Finland. TVK coordinates the system by ensuring uniform implementation of the legislation, handling claims in uninsured situations and supervising that all employers in Finland have an insurance policy in force. TVK also has other roles based on the law, e.g. collecting statistics from the insurance companies and making analysis based on them.

Financial compensation

The Workers’ Comp Insurance is financed through employer contributions, set individually by insurers based on risk and payroll. TVK’s functions are financed collectively by its members (insurers, the State Treasury and The Farmers Social Insurance Institution MELA).

Medical treatment responsibilities

The Workers’ Comp Insurance provides insurance cover for accidents at work, occupational diseases, and commuting accidents. The main benefits are healthcare, compensation for loss of income, rehabilitation, and survivor benefits. Medical costs are covered without any upper limit for time or cost. Both private and public health care is included.

Prevention responsibilities

Employers are responsible for the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases. TVK’s role in prevention relates to making analysis and research based on the statistics and investigation sever (fatal) accidents. In prevention TVK works in close co-operation with other organizations in Finland (Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, inspection authorities, The Centre for Occupational Safety and and The Finnish Institute of Occupational Safety and Health FIOSH).

Research in OS&H issues responsibilities

Research activities for occupational safety and health are conducted by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, universities and research institutions. TVK provides the statistical background information the research and conducts investigation of fatal workplace accidents in Finland.

From the insurance contributions 1,75% is directed to research work through the Finnish Work Environment Fund.

Rehabilitation of victims of occupational injuries responsibilities

The insurance provides extensive rehabilitation, including medical treatment, vocational retraining, assistive equipment, home modifications, care allowances, and support services to facilitate reintegration.

Specific insurance against accidents at work and occupational diseases

Yes

Is this insurance compulsory?

Workers’ compensation insurance is statutory under the Workers’ Compensation Act. The coverage is mandatory for all employers. Private entrepreneurs and company owners can take voluntary insurance based on the Workers Compensation Act.

Contributions

Funded through employer contributions, set individually by insurers based on risk and payroll.
TVK’s functions are financed collectively by member insurers, the State Treasury, and Mela.

People covered

All employees, both in private and public sector. Self-employed – voluntary insurance.

Is insurance different for accidents at work and for occupational diseases?

No, both are covered by the same policy with the same benefits. The Workers Compensation Act regulates both areas.

Risks covered

Accidents at work, occupational diseases, commuting accidents