No skimping allowed on clearing roofs
THE POLICE and rescue services have issued warnings about dangers of snow and ice falling from rooftops when the thaw has set in. The risk is highest in the downtown Helsinki area.
The real estate services agency Kiinteistöpalvelut ry has also issued a statement warning of the risks. According to the agency, companies and others who are responsible for the maintenance of buildings do not always have the resources needed to have snow and ice cleared from rooftops at short notice.
Marina Furuhjelm of the Finnish Real Estate Management Federation points out however that this is not one area where cost-cutting measures are permissible. “The responsibility for safety always rests with real estate owners. The owners are liable for hiring professionals to clear the roofs.” Furuhjelm also emphasises the importance of service contracts being properly made; they must specify how the rooftop conditions in winter are to be monitored and what party is responsible for cordoning off certain areas at ground level for the protection of passers-by.
A woman was killed in Helsinki on Monday morning near the intersection of Savilankatu and Urheilukatu in Töölö when snow and ice fell on her from a rooftop. In Hakaniemi last winter, a similar accident occurred, in which a pedestrian was killed by falling ice. In that case, the real estate owner was fined for involuntary manslaughter.
According to the Finnish Real Estate Management Federation, the legal decision in that case has caused some confusion as to how real estate owners are to ensure that their property poses no threat to the public. “The primary responsibility rests with the owner. If an accident occurs, the first step is to determine whether the regulations have been infringed. If the service contract has been competently drawn up, this is easier to do,” Furuhjelm explains.
KERTTU KIVILUOTO, RIITTA SILLANPÄÄ – STT - HT
LEHTIKUVA - ANTTI AIMO-KOIVISTO
