During the week of intensified supervision from 17 to 21 August, inspections were carried out at 74 construction sites, of which 40 were in Helsinki, 17 in Vantaa and 17 in Espoo. The inspections conducted during the week resulted in the issuing of 19 notices, 77 requests and nine fines. In addition, work was suspended at four construction sites.
Problems observed at the inspected sites included inadequate diversion signs and construction site fences, as well as incorrect road signs. During the supervision, construction sites were also found where permits had expired or were missing altogether.
“Shortcomings at construction sites can have a significant impact on the safety and accessibility of pedestrians, cyclists and schoolchildren. The aim of intensified supervision is to ensure that traffic arrangements at construction sites are implemented safely and in accordance with regulations,” says Team Manager Elina Airaksinen from the City of Helsinki’s Public Area Monitoring.
Improvements in construction site safety
During the week of intensified supervision conducted earlier this year in May, 97 roadwork sites were inspected. These inspections uncovered relatively more shortcomings compared to the supervision carried out this time. In May, seven construction sites were fined, in addition to which 85 notices were issued in Espoo and Vantaa alone.
“There have been positive developments in construction site arrangements and safety. The situation is improving year on year,” says Superintendent Dennis Pasterstein from the Helsinki Police Department.
Weeks of intensified supervision will continue to be carried out in the future as a joint initiative between the municipalities of the Helsinki Metropolitan Area and the police. The aim is not only to identify shortcomings, but to also prevent dangerous situations and share good practices between the cities, the police and construction site operators.