Corporate Manslaughter Prosecutions In Finland
1. Legal Framework in Finland
Finnish Criminal Code (Rikoslaki 39/1889)
Chapter 21 – Homicide:
§1: Murder (intentional)
§2: Manslaughter (intentional or reckless causing of death)
Chapter 2 – Corporate Liability:
Companies themselves can be fined under the Act on the Imposition of Fines on Corporations for Criminal Offenses (Act 689/1993).
Key Principle:
In Finland, corporations can be prosecuted for gross negligence leading to death, usually in industrial or occupational contexts.
Liability may extend to executives or managers if the act demonstrates recklessness or negligence.
2. Case: Occupational Accident at Finnish Construction Site (Helsinki District Court, 2012)
Background:
A construction worker fell from scaffolding due to improper safety measures.
Legal Basis:
Finnish Criminal Code §21 (Manslaughter)
Occupational Safety and Health Act provisions
Case Details:
Investigation revealed the company had failed to follow mandated safety protocols.
Managers ignored repeated warnings from safety inspectors.
Outcome:
The company was fined EUR 200,000, and two managers received suspended sentences.
Compensation was ordered to the victim’s family.
Significance:
Demonstrates that corporate negligence leading to death can trigger both fines for the company and criminal liability for executives.
3. Case: Death at a Chemical Plant (Tampere Court of Appeal, 2015)
Background:
An explosion at a chemical plant killed one worker and injured several others.
Legal Basis:
Criminal Code §21 (Manslaughter through negligence)
Environmental and industrial safety regulations
Case Details:
The plant lacked proper safety equipment and emergency procedures.
The board was aware of repeated safety deficiencies but delayed corrective action.
Outcome:
Corporate fine imposed: EUR 500,000
CEO received 1-year suspended imprisonment for gross negligence.
Significance:
Reinforced that both the corporation and individual executives can be held criminally accountable for fatal negligence.
4. Case: Fatal Maritime Accident (Turku Court of Appeal, 2016)
Background:
Crew member died due to a vessel maintenance failure.
Legal Basis:
Maritime Safety Act
Criminal Code §21 – manslaughter by negligence
Case Details:
Company failed to perform mandated engine inspections.
Internal audits revealed repeated omissions, showing reckless disregard.
Outcome:
The company fined EUR 300,000, and operations manager received suspended imprisonment.
Significance:
Showed that corporate manslaughter principles apply in transport and shipping sectors.
5. Case: Hospital Death from Negligent Oversight (Helsinki District Court, 2018)
Background:
Patient died after medication error at a private hospital.
Legal Basis:
Criminal Code §21 (Negligent manslaughter)
Health Care Act
Case Details:
Investigation found understaffing and lack of proper supervision.
Management failed to implement protocols to prevent errors.
Outcome:
Hospital fined EUR 150,000
Head nurse reprimanded; hospital director given probation.
Significance:
Shows corporate manslaughter extends to healthcare institutions where negligence leads to death.
6. Case: Mining Accident in Lapland (Rovaniemi District Court, 2020)
Background:
Miner killed in cave-in at small mining company.
Legal Basis:
Criminal Code §21 (Manslaughter by negligence)
Mining Safety Act
Case Details:
Insufficient support structures and lack of safety inspections.
Prior warnings from regulators were ignored.
Outcome:
Company fined EUR 250,000
Mine manager received 10 months suspended imprisonment.
Significance:
Emphasizes regulatory oversight and managerial responsibility in industrial contexts.
7. Case: Industrial Fire Causing Death (Oulu District Court, 2021)
Background:
Fire broke out in a factory, resulting in two fatalities.
Legal Basis:
Criminal Code §21 (Manslaughter by negligence)
Fire Safety Act
Case Details:
Safety protocols were outdated; fire alarms malfunctioned.
Management neglected recommended inspections.
Outcome:
Company fined EUR 400,000
CEO received suspended sentence and mandatory safety training.
Significance:
Reinforced that companies can be held accountable for preventable industrial deaths.
Key Observations from Finnish Corporate Manslaughter Cases
Corporate and Individual Liability:
Corporations are typically fined, while executives or managers may face suspended or actual imprisonment.
Occupational Safety is Central:
Most prosecutions involve industrial, construction, maritime, healthcare, or chemical sectors.
Negligence Threshold:
Courts focus on gross negligence or recklessness, not minor oversights.
Preventive Impact:
Fines and criminal liability encourage companies to adhere strictly to safety regulations.
Procedural Approach:
Investigations involve regulatory authorities, workplace inspections, and internal company audits.
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