Principles for a Safer Space

It is important to us that the events we organize are safe and equal for all participants.

No one is discriminated against or treated unequally on the basis of age, gender, ethnic or national origin, language, religion, belief, health status, disability, sexual orientation or any other personal reason at our events.

We strive to apply the principles of a safer space as widely as possible, for example by organizing our events in accessible spaces.

The Safer Space Principles apply to employees and partners of the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, as well as to presenters and participants at all our events. We inform presenters about the principles, for example, when inviting speakers, and participants agree to follow the principles when registering.

When you participate in an event or training session held by the Finnish Institute of 
Occupational Health, you must do your part to ensure that

• in conversations, everyone has the opportunity to speak and be heard, regardless of their 
  gender, position or any other individual characteristic.
• you use language that is clear and understandable to all participants.
• you respect the experience and self-determination of others. Do not make your own experience 
  universal or make assumptions about the experience, life situation or identity of others.
• you do not harass anyone through words or by touching or staring.
• you do not speak in an aggressive manner or in a way that concerns present or absent people 
  on a personal level.
• you change your behaviour if another person asks you to or if attention is called to your 
  behaviour.

If you encounter harassment or inappropriate treatment at a Finnish Institute of 
Occupational Health event or training session, act as follows

• Immediately ask the organizer of the event for help. The organizer is always obligated to address 
  behaviour that goes against the relevant principles.
• If you can, you can also independently address behaviour that disturbs others. Ask the harassing 
  party to stop and show compassion and understanding towards the harassed party.
• After the event, please give the organizer of the event feedback on the accessibility and safety 
  of the event