Data center construction is technically demanding, with construction work, electrical and automation installations, and cooling system installations often progressing in parallel. Simultaneous work phases and changing conditions require continuous coordination throughout the project.
Safety also affects the project schedule. An accident or serious near miss can interrupt an individual work phase and quickly have an impact on the work of other parties.
“On a demanding data center project, safety cannot be managed separately from the rest of project management. When risks are identified in advance and different work phases are coordinated, the site can progress more safely and in a more controlled manner”, says Jarkko Salmenoja, Senior Vice President, Data Centres business area at SRV.
Risks are identified and working practices agreed in advance
SRV’s safety work is guided by its Zero Accidents target and the principle: “Foresight is Wisdom. Speaking Up is Caring.” Risks are assessed before work begins, and any identified deviations are addressed immediately. Safe working is supported by measures such as site-specific induction, task risk assessments and last-minute risk assessments carried out at the work location.
SRV’s values are also reflected in its approach to safety. Open collaboration, respect for others’ work and caring for one another are part of day-to-day operations. On site, this means listening to others, sharing observations and being prepared to raise concerns when something is not right.
Everyone has both the right and the responsibility to intervene if they observe unsafe behaviour or a failure to follow safety practices. Sharing observations and learning from them helps develop safer working practices across the site.
International data center clients may also have their own safety requirements, reporting practices and operating models. These are integrated into the common practices followed on site.
“International data center clients may bring their own detailed safety requirements to a project. What matters is that everyone working on the site clearly understands how work is carried out on that particular project”, Salmenoja says.
Safe working supports controlled project delivery
Safety and efficient project delivery are not conflicting objectives. When safety is considered from the planning stage onwards, interruptions and unnecessary rework can be reduced.
“SRV’s accident frequency is below the industry average, which reflects our long-term commitment to safety”, Salmenoja says.
SRV’s occupational health and safety management is supported by the ISO 45001 management system. Safety risk management is an integral part of project management, from the preparation phase through to daily operations on site.
SRV is Finland’s largest business premises construction company and one of the country’s leading data center contractors. SRV is currently constructing the LUMI AI Factory data center in Kajaani and the DayOne data center in Lahti. Both are scheduled to become operational in 2027.
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