About the Author: Seppo Väyrynen
Seppo Väyrynen has been a Professor of Work Science at the University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland since 1989. His other main employers comprise the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, for 12 years, and the Academy of Finland.
He achieved Master's (1974) and Doctor's (1986) degrees in Engineering science, the theses for which dealt with the work environment and ergonomics development being linked to mechanical engineering design and management.
In addition to heading a unit at the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, he has taught various courses in ergonomics and safety engineering, supervising doctoral students, and has directed a research group with many R&D projects.
His research interests include ergonomics, human actors, well-being and productivity within work system, user-centred design, usability engineering, participative development and innovation, safety-conscious design, risk control, accidents and occupational risk prevention, safety management and integrated management systems (Health, Safety, Environment, Quality).
He has published more than 370 scientific or professional articles and book chapters.
Kari Häkkinen
Dr. Kari K. Häkkinen is currently head of health and safety RM, at If P&C Insurance Company Ltd, Espoo.
Holding an M.Sc.in Engineering, from the Dept of Mining and Metallurgy, Helsinki University of Technology (1976), and a Licentiate of Technology from the Safety Technology Dept, Tampere University of Technology (1982), he obtained a Dr. of Technology degree from Helsinki University of Technology in 1985.
Dr Häkkinen has over 30 years of expertise in health and safety consulting, risk management, safety research and development for industry in Finland and internationally.
He has consulted and training on a variety of Health and safety issues for a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, construction, plant maintenance and services as well as having several years of experience as a department manager and team leader in risk management and EHS.
Toivo Niskanen
Dr Toivo Niskanen currently works as a Senior Officer in the Finnish Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Department for Occupational Safety and Health, Legislation Unit.
He received a Master of Science in Construction Engineering degree in 1975 from the University of Oulu and a Doctor of Technology in 1993 from the Technical University of Helsinki (today Aalto University). He has worked as the safety inspector at the Finnish Board of Labour Protection (in 1975-1977) and as the senior researcher in the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (in 1978-1990). From 1990 to the present, he has worked as the senior adviser in the Legislation Unit of the Department for Occupational Safety and Health in the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health preparing some of the implementations of the EU directives in Finnish legislation e.g. the Council Directive 92/57/EEC of 24 June 1992 on the implementation of minimum safety and health requirements at temporary or mobile construction sites. With respect to the other EU directives he have participated in three working groups making amendment to the existing Council Directives.
