Report of the International Evaluation of the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health
sosiaali- ja terveysministeriö
2014
Julkaisusarja:
Reports and Memorandums of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health 2014:22This publication is copyrighted. You may download, display and print it for Your own personal use. Commercial use is prohibited.
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
http://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-00-3497-9Tiivistelmä
The International Evaluation Group consisted of members representing several academic disciplines, yet sharing experience and a deep understanding of occupational safety and health theory and practice. It performed an expert assessment of the strategy and activities of the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH), based on a self-evaluation by the Institute, a number of other documents, and interviews with FIOH management and staff, customers and other stakeholders. In relation to policy relevance and results the IEG finds that FIOH s work is consistent with and supports the policies of the Government. FIOH is an important contributor to work-force well-being and national welfare, and it deserves credit for attempts to change the present practice of occupational health services, which limits the effectiveness of the services, especially in prevention. FIOH provides a broad range of services for workplaces that are highly appreciated by its stakeholders (public and private organisations, collaborating partners, professional associations, ministries, and the Parliament). However, in spite of the existing law and the contract between MSAH and FIOH, its core tasks and priorities are not always clear to all stakeholders. FIOH plays a prominent role in increasing global awareness about workers well-being and health. This role is very much appreciated in international networks, in the Nordic countries and Europe, as well as worldwide. One example is the WHO network of collaborating centres of occupational health. These activities are not only important for the occupational health of workers around the globe, but they also contribute considerably to the ability of FIOH and its partners to acquire international funds and to the prestige of Finland in the world. The final report will be published later this year.