Safety Measures for Jätkäsaari Parking Facility Delayed After Four Fatal Falls
The decision on security measures for the Saukonlaitur parking facility in Jätkäsaari has been postponed following four fatal falls from its roof. Plans to improve safety, initially prepared by the facility’s operator, have been revised after the most recent incident in February, but no final decision has been made.
Mikko Syrjänen, CEO of Jätkäsaari Parking Ltd, told Hufvudstadsbladet (HBL) that the company had ready proposals to prevent climbing in certain sections but that these were reconsidered after the latest death. Syrjänen stated that the company has no legal obligation to implement safety measures and that sharing the plans prematurely could be interpreted as a commitment to act. A final decision is now expected in early autumn (Iltalehti).
Resident Feedback Sought Before Decision
Yle reports that the parking company will submit its revised security proposal for resident feedback after Midsummer. The plan will be sent to housing companies in the area, which are shareholders in the parking facility, for comments by the end of August. The City of Helsinki, which holds decision-making power in the company, will ultimately determine whether the measures are implemented.
The proposal aims to restrict access to the top level of the parking structure, where all four fatal falls occurred. According to Syrjänen, the building’s landscape stairs—designed as emergency exits under rescue regulations—have made it easy for unauthorized individuals to reach the roof. The company has consulted rescue authorities and building control to explore alternative evacuation arrangements (Yle).
Costs Would Fall on Residents
If approved, the modifications could cost "a few hundred thousand euros," with expenses covered by the facility’s users—primarily residents of nearby housing companies. Syrjänen emphasized that the draft plan does not yet guarantee implementation, as the building itself has no structural defects (Yle).
The delays have drawn criticism from area residents, with one submitting a petition in February demanding immediate safety improvements after the latest fatality (Yle). The final decision is expected before the end of the year.