The samples for the surveys were selected to represent all permanent residents of Finland 15 years old and older. Social indicators of the level and changes in the physical safety of the general population were used to compare the situation in 1980 to 1988. The decrease in work-related accidents in the period between the two surveys can be explained by the changes in the occupational structure of the population as fewer people were involved in physically strenuous and accident-prone work. Also, automation and improvement in work techniques have enhanced workplace safety. The increase in road accidents reflects the increase in road traffic. The 1980 survey indicated that approximately 1 out of 10 persons was victimized in a violent act or threats of violence over the past year; 1 out of 12 persons had such an experience in the 1988 survey. Single, young males were most likely to be victims of violence. The reporting of violent victimization to police was greater in 1988 than in 1980. 16 figures and 15 references