Fourth Death at Helsinki Parking Garage Prompts Safety Review

An investigation into improving safety measures at the Saukonlaituri parking garage was already underway, according to Mikko Syrjänen, CEO of Jätkäsaaren Pysäköinti Oy. Plans to enhance safety features are in place, and cost assessments are currently being prepared. Final decisions on implementation will be made in late winter or early spring, as originally scheduled. The proposed changes focus on railings and rooftop structures above stairwells and elevators on the top floor. These modifications aim to make climbing onto the structures more difficult. If approved, the upgrades would be carried out this spring. Access to the top level is via terrace stairs that lead directly from ground level to the uppermost floor. Syrjänen emphasized that these stairs serve as an emergency exit route both out of and into the parking facility. In case of a fire lower down in the stairwell, people must be able to enter the garage through those same stairs, which creates a safety design challenge. The building was originally designed by an architect to allow local residents to use the outdoor terraces for recreation. Syrjänen noted that the construction authority approved the structure as built, and the company has not received any related inquiries since. He stressed that the garage meets all current safety regulations, but climbing on its structures is inherently dangerous. Preventing intentional risk-taking behavior remains difficult. The cost estimate for planned renovations will be completed by late winter, with expenses potentially passed on to users who park their vehicles in the facility. Syrjänen acknowledged that deciding whether to impose such costs on customers is a major consideration in their decision-making process.