The number of workers exposed to carcinogens has increased during years 2010–2019

In 2019, the number of employees registered as exposed was approximately 20,500 in all of Finland. When assessed by area, the number of exposed employees has remained unchanged in all the occupational safety and health districts in 2010–2019 apart from Northern Finland. The increased numbers of mining employees and employees registered as exposed have more than doubled the number of persons registered as exposed in Northern Finland.

In 2010–2019, approximately 48,500 persons were entered into the register, with men accounting for approximately 82% and women for 18%.

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Industry, construction and mining are the most relevant sectors

With 9,255 employees registered in 2019, the number of exposed people was the highest in the industrial main sector. Industrial employees are often exposed to many substances simultaneously, meaning that the total number of exposures in industry was almost twice as high as the number of people registered as exposed. The second highest number of reports came from construction with 2,313 exposed persons reported in 2019. When the number of exposed persons is put in proportion with the total number of employees in the industry, the highest number of exposure reports comes from the mining and quarrying industry.

Occupational exposure to asbestos is increasing

In the review period 2010–2019, chromium(VI) and nickel compounds were the most commonly reported exposure agents. In 2019, 8,256 employees and 7,240 employees were reported as having been exposed to nickel compounds and chromium(VI) compounds, respectively. The occupations most likely to be exposed to chromium and nickel compounds were welders, engineer fitters and heavy plate workers.

In 2019, 4,548 persons were reported as having been exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). The occupations most likely to be exposed to PAH compounds were firefighters, vehicle mechanics in the vehicle industry and vehicle repair shops, cleaners, engineer fitters and construction workers.

In 2019, the number of persons exposed to asbestos almost tripled from 2010, with 4,003 employees reported as exposed. The number of exposed employees was the highest in the mining and quarrying industry where, in addition to the increased number of employees, the number of reports has increased as a result of better awareness of the reporting obligation. The next highest numbers of reports of exposure to asbestos were found in construction and rescue services.

The Work-Life Knowledge service also offers a page describing the data: Occupational exposure to carcinogenic substances.