Finnish authorities are urging housing companies to check the safety of balcony barriers and to consider restricting balcony use until structures have been verified. The renewed focus follows a fatal fall from a fifth-floor balcony in Helsinki last autumn, which brought wider attention to the condition of balcony protection structures in older apartment buildings.

The message is aimed especially at housing companies with buildings constructed between the 1960s and 1980s. During those decades, cement fibreboard was commonly used in balcony barriers. Property-sector guidance says these buildings should be reviewed carefully so that any weaknesses can be identified before they create a risk for residents.

Last month, the Safety Investigation Authority, Otkes, warned against using fibre cement boards as balcony protection barriers. Authorities are now examining the safety of fibre cement boards more broadly. That work is expected to be completed in the autumn, when officials may have a clearer basis for any further recommendations or measures.

The Finnish Real Estate Management Federation has recommended a cautious approach while the full condition of existing structures is still being assessed. The recommendation does not mean every balcony in older buildings is unsafe, but it does signal that housing companies are expected to act preventively and confirm that balcony barriers meet safety requirements.