Safety culture is a cornerstone of the Hailuoto Hailuoto Causeway project

The Hailuoto Causeway is one of Finland’s most significant infrastructure construction projects, where working conditions are exceptionally demanding. Boost’s safety coordinator, Tuomo Takkinen, is responsible for overall occupational safety on the project.

A recent Yle report also highlights the site’s unique characteristics and the importance of a strong safety culture to the project’s success. The marine environment, rapidly changing weather conditions, and the large number of workers make this a one-of-a-kind construction site.

A demanding work environment requires a strong safety culture

Hundreds of professionals are working on the project, and site conditions change rapidly. The sea, wind, cold, and slippery surfaces pose constant challenges to safety.

– There are a lot of people, machinery, and equipment. That poses a challenge to workplace safety, Takkinen explains.

Safety means concrete actions, but above all, a shared approach. According to Takkinen, the Hailuoto construction site has succeeded in creating a strong safety culture where issues are actively addressed.

– There’s a very low threshold for speaking up about issues on the site, he notes.

Safety is systematically improved through measures such as safety observations. These observations often lead to immediate corrective actions, and implementing them is part of everyday operations at the site.

Collaboration and the alliance model support success

The alliance model enables open collaboration among different stakeholders. Instead of matters being dictated from the top, they are developed together.

– In the traditional contracting model, there’s more of a top-down approach. Here, we move things forward through open discussion, says Takkinen.

Skilled designers and contractors play a key role in ensuring safety and quality.

Collaboration, Openness, and Professionalism

According to Takkinen, the project’s success is based on strong collaboration and expertise.

– A strong chain is formed through collaboration, openness, and high professional competence.

The project is also exceptional in terms of its scale.

– Nothing like this has ever been done in this country before. It’s great to have been involved in a project like this from the very beginning.

Boost Brothers serves as an alliance model expert and safety coordinator for the Hailuoto Causeway project.