Background Department for Occupational Safety and Health of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health ordered a preliminary study on a topic called “modern accident program” which means a new approach to accident prevention. The basis for this program was the strategy for social and health policy Socially Sustainable Finland 2020 and the document Policies for the work environment and well-being at work until 2020. This study was completed in end of the year 2014 and it was carried out by VTT (Technical Research Centre of Finland) in cooperation with Tampere University of Technology (TTY).

Description of the problem One goal of the Policies for the work environment and well-being at work until 2020 (compared to the year 2010) is to reduce the frequency of workplace accidents by 25%. The frequency hasn’t reduced as we hope to. In Finland, we need new tools for accident prevention.

Results The targets of this program correspond to the recommended actions of the preliminary study. The program is not carried out elsewhere as a separate program. It’s a new approach that promotes best practices in accident prevention and cooperation among stakeholders.

Conclusions The target year of these goals is 2025. It’s the same target year as for the future review Working life 2025 which has been written in the Department for Occupational Safety and Health of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health.