Heka investigates the safety of balcony boards at its sites
The Safety Investigation Authority has issued an accident threat notification on fibre cement boards that are used as fall protection on balcony railings. Heka is taking the matter seriously, and we are investigating whether these solutions have been used at Heka sites.
On 21 May 2026, the Safety Investigation Authority of Finland (SIAF) issued an accident threat notification concerning fibre cement balcony boards. The notification is related to an accident that occurred in Hietalahti, Helsinki, in September 2025, in which a person died after falling from a balcony. The accident did not occur at a Heka building.
The SIAF strength tests confirmed that fibre cement board is not suitable as fall protection or for preventing falls. According to SIAF, fibre cement boards have been widely used in balconies in Finland, in apartment buildings built from the 1960s to the 1980s, for example.
A safe home is the basis of Heka’s work
Helsinki Building Control Services have instructed property owners to ensure the safety of balcony and terrace boards if the building has fibre cement boards as fall protection.
Heka is investigating whether the balcony boards pointed out by SIAF have been used in our sites. If we identify sites where such solutions have been used, Heka will assess the necessary follow-up actions based on the authorities’ guidance and expert assessments.
“A safe home is the basis of Heka’s work. We will investigate the matter carefully and follow the authorities’ instructions. If the investigations show that Heka sites are affected, we will inform the residents directly and give clear instructions,” says Managing Director Maria Aspala.
We understand that this information may cause concern for residents. We assure that residents will be contacted directly if their building is affected. In that case, we will tell you what was discovered in the investigations, what actions are needed, and what residents should do.
Heka follows and acts on the instructions of the Safety Investigation Authority, Helsinki Building Control Services, and other authorities.
Frequently asked questions about the safety surveys of balcony boards:
What is this about?
The Safety Investigation Authority of Finland (SIAF) has issued an accident threat notification on fibre cement boards that are used as fall protection on balcony railings. The notification is related to an accident that occurred in Hietalahti, Helsinki, in September 2025, in which a person died after falling from a balcony. The accident did not occur at a Heka building.
The SIAF strength tests confirmed that fibre cement board is not suitable as fall protection or for preventing falls.
Does this concern Heka buildings?
Heka is currently surveying whether the balcony solutions pointed out by SIAF have been used in Heka sites. The surveying covers all Heka properties in their entirety.
If your building is affected, Heka will communicate with the residents directly.
What is Heka doing to investigate the matter?
Heka will survey all of our properties. The first step is to determine the materials of the balcony railings. If the railings are made of board material, a more detailed inspection will be carried out with experts at the site.
Can I use my balcony normally?
If you have not received separate building-specific instructions from Heka, you can use your balcony as normal.
If the surveys show that specific instructions are required for the balconies in your building, Heka will inform the residents directly. You should always exercise normal caution in the balcony: do not lean on, climb on or strike the railings or boards.
What happens if this board material has been used in the balconies of my building?
If fibre cement board has been used as fall protection, Heka will design and implement the necessary modifications according to a schedule to be specified later. We will take measures according to the instructions of the authorities and expert assessments.
How do I find out if this affects my home building?
Heka will inform the residents of affected buildings directly. We will communicate via OmaHeka, Heka’s website, and the housing newsletter.
The announcement will explain what has been found, what measures are needed, and what residents should do.
Do I have to do anything now?
You do not have to do anything unless Heka specifically tells you that your building is affected.
You do not have to assess the structure of the balcony railings or fixings yourself. If you notice any damage, loosening, cracks, wobbling or other safety hazards in the balcony boards, railings or fixings, report the problem to Heka immediately.