Ensuring a safe and healthy workplace is a fundamental aspect of operating in Iceland. The country places significant emphasis on protecting employees from occupational hazards and promoting well-being in all sectors. Compliance with national health and safety regulations is not just a legal requirement but also crucial for fostering a productive and positive work environment.
Employers operating in Iceland are responsible for understanding and implementing the necessary measures to prevent accidents and ill health arising from work activities. This involves navigating specific legal frameworks, adhering to established standards, and actively managing risks within the workplace.
Health and Safety Laws and Regulatory Framework
The primary legislation governing occupational health and safety in Iceland is the Working Environment, Health and Safety Act. This act sets out the general duties and requirements for employers and employees regarding workplace safety. It is supplemented by numerous regulations and ministerial orders that provide more detailed rules for specific industries, types of work, and hazards.
The main authority responsible for overseeing and enforcing these regulations is the Directorate of Labour (Vinnueftirlitið). The Directorate provides guidance, conducts inspections, and investigates accidents and complaints.
| Key Regulatory Areas Covered |
|---|
| General workplace requirements |
| Specific industry regulations |
| Handling of hazardous substances |
| Use of work equipment |
| Ergonomics and working postures |
| Psychosocial work environment |
| Accident reporting and investigation |
Occupational Health and Safety Standards and Practices
Employers are required to systematically work on preventing accidents and health problems. This involves implementing various standards and practices tailored to the specific risks present in their workplace.
Risk Assessment
A core requirement is conducting a thorough risk assessment. Employers must identify potential hazards, evaluate the risks they pose, and determine appropriate control measures. This process should be documented and reviewed regularly, especially after changes in work processes, equipment, or the work environment.
Safety Committees
Workplaces with 50 or more employees are generally required to establish a safety committee. This committee, composed of representatives from both management and employees, works collaboratively to promote safety, review risk assessments, investigate accidents, and propose improvements. In smaller workplaces, a safety representative must be appointed.
Training Requirements
Employers must ensure that employees receive adequate training and instruction on health and safety matters relevant to their work. This includes training on specific hazards, safe work procedures, the use of protective equipment, and emergency procedures. Training should be provided upon hiring, when job tasks change, and when new equipment or technology is introduced.
Documentation Obligations
Maintaining proper documentation is essential. This includes records of risk assessments, safety procedures, training records, accident reports, and records of safety committee meetings or safety representative activities. This documentation serves as proof of compliance and is vital for managing safety effectively.
Workplace Inspection Processes and Requirements
The Directorate of Labour is authorized to conduct inspections of workplaces to ensure compliance with health and safety legislation. Inspections can be routine, prompted by complaints, or follow an accident.
During an inspection, the Directorate's inspectors may:
- Examine the workplace environment, equipment, and work processes.
- Review documentation, such as risk assessments, training records, and maintenance logs.
- Interview employers, managers, safety representatives, and employees.
- Issue orders for improvements or cessation of work if immediate danger is found.
Employers are required to cooperate fully with inspectors and provide access to the workplace and relevant information.
Workplace Accident Protocols and Reporting
In the event of a workplace accident or incident, specific protocols must be followed. The immediate priority is to provide first aid and ensure the safety of others. The accident site should be secured if necessary for investigation.
Certain accidents and occupational diseases must be reported to the Directorate of Labour.
| Event to Report | Reporting Deadline | To Whom to Report |
|---|---|---|
| Serious accidents | Immediately | Directorate of Labour |
| Other reportable accidents | Within 8 days | Directorate of Labour |
| Occupational diseases | Within 8 days | Directorate of Labour |
| Dangerous occurrences (near misses) | Recommended, depending on severity | Internally and potentially to Directorate |
Employers must also investigate accidents to determine their causes and implement preventative measures to avoid recurrence.
Employer and Employee Responsibilities for Workplace Safety
Workplace safety is a shared responsibility, with distinct duties for both employers and employees.
Employer Responsibilities
Employers hold the primary responsibility for ensuring a safe and healthy working environment. Their duties include:
- Establishing and maintaining a systematic approach to health and safety management.
- Identifying hazards and assessing risks.
- Implementing necessary preventative measures and control systems.
- Providing adequate information, instruction, and training to employees.
- Supplying necessary personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Ensuring work equipment and machinery are safe.
- Investigating accidents and implementing corrective actions.
- Consulting with employees or their representatives on safety matters.
- Maintaining required documentation.
Employee Responsibilities
Employees also have crucial responsibilities for their own safety and that of others. These include:
- Following health and safety instructions and procedures.
- Using work equipment and PPE correctly.
- Reporting hazards, accidents, and near misses to their employer or safety representative.
- Cooperating with the employer on health and safety initiatives.
- Not intentionally or recklessly endangering themselves or others.
