Norway places a strong emphasis on maintaining high standards of health, safety, and working environment across all industries. The framework is designed to protect employees from harm, prevent accidents and work-related illnesses, and promote a healthy and productive workplace culture. Employers operating in Norway, whether domestic or international, are legally obligated to comply with these comprehensive regulations to ensure the well-being of their workforce.
Navigating the specific requirements can be complex, particularly for companies new to the Norwegian market. Understanding the legal basis, practical standards, inspection processes, reporting obligations, and the distinct roles of both employers and employees is crucial for achieving compliance and fostering a safe working environment.
Health and Safety Laws and Regulatory Framework
The primary legislation governing health, safety, and the working environment in Norway is the Working Environment Act (Arbeidsmiljøloven). This act sets out the general requirements and principles that apply to most workplaces. It is supplemented by numerous regulations and standards that provide more detailed rules for specific industries, types of work, and hazards. The main regulatory authority responsible for enforcing these laws is the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority (Arbeidstilsynet).
Key regulations include those covering systematic health, environmental, and safety (HSE) work, risk assessment, exposure limits, machinery safety, and specific industry requirements (e.g., construction, offshore).
| Key Regulatory Area | Primary Legislation/Regulation | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| General Working Environment | Working Environment Act (Arbeidsmiljøloven) | Overall framework, rights, and obligations |
| Systematic HSE Work | Regulations concerning Systematic Health, Environmental and Safety Activities in Enterprises (Internkontrollforskriften) | Employer's duty to establish and maintain a system for HSE management |
| Risk Assessment & Prevention | Various regulations under the Working Environment Act | Identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks |
| Specific Hazards | Regulations on chemical agents, noise, vibration, etc. | Setting limits and control measures for specific exposures |
Occupational Health and Safety Standards and Practices
Norwegian law requires employers to systematically work to improve health, safety, and the working environment. This systematic approach, often referred to as "internal control" (internkontroll), involves establishing routines and procedures to ensure compliance with regulations and to continuously improve safety performance.
A cornerstone of this systematic work is the risk assessment. Employers must identify potential hazards in the workplace, assess the risk they pose, and implement measures to eliminate or reduce these risks. This process should be documented and reviewed regularly, especially when changes occur in the workplace.
Training requirements are also significant. Employees must receive necessary training and information about the risks associated with their work and the measures in place to control them. This includes training on specific equipment, procedures, emergency protocols, and general workplace safety principles. New employees, temporary workers, and those changing roles require specific onboarding and training.
Documentation obligations are integral to systematic HSE work. Employers must document their risk assessments, implemented measures, training records, procedures, and internal control activities. This documentation serves as proof of compliance and is essential during inspections.
Workplace Inspection Processes and Requirements
The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority (Arbeidstilsynet) is authorized to conduct inspections at workplaces to ensure compliance with the Working Environment Act and associated regulations. Inspections can be scheduled or unannounced and may cover various aspects of the working environment, including physical safety, psychosocial factors, working hours, and contractual conditions.
During an inspection, employers are typically required to:
- Provide access to all parts of the workplace.
- Present relevant documentation (e.g., risk assessments, training records, safety procedures, internal control system documentation).
- Allow inspectors to speak with employees and safety representatives.
- Cooperate fully with the inspectors.
If non-compliance is found, the Labour Inspection Authority can issue orders for improvement, impose fines, or, in serious cases, order the cessation of work activities. Employers are given deadlines to rectify identified issues and must document that corrective actions have been taken.
Workplace Accident Protocols and Reporting
In the event of a workplace accident or serious incident, specific protocols must be followed. The immediate priority is to provide first aid and ensure the safety of those involved and others in the vicinity.
Employers have a legal duty to investigate all accidents, near misses, and work-related illnesses to determine their causes and implement preventive measures.
Certain types of accidents and injuries must be reported to the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority and the Norwegian Social Insurance Service (NAV). This includes:
- Fatal accidents.
- Serious personal injuries (requiring hospitalisation or resulting in significant absence from work).
- Work-related illnesses diagnosed by a doctor.
- Potentially serious incidents (near misses) that could have resulted in serious injury or death.
Reporting must be done promptly using the designated forms or electronic systems. Failure to report can result in penalties.
Employer and Employee Responsibilities for Workplace Safety
Both employers and employees have distinct but interconnected responsibilities for ensuring a safe and healthy working environment.
Employer Responsibilities:
- Ensure the workplace is safe and free from hazards.
- Establish and maintain a systematic approach to HSE (internal control).
- Conduct risk assessments and implement necessary preventive measures.
- Provide necessary training and information to employees.
- Ensure machinery and equipment are safe and properly maintained.
- Organize work to prevent health problems and excessive strain.
- Establish procedures for handling accidents and emergencies.
- Report serious accidents and work-related illnesses.
- Cooperate with safety representatives and safety committees.
Employee Responsibilities:
- Comply with instructions and procedures related to safety.
- Use protective equipment provided.
- Report hazards, defects, and near misses to the employer or safety representative.
- Participate in training and follow safety guidelines.
- Cooperate in the implementation of safety measures.
- Avoid putting themselves or others at risk.
The safety representative (verneombud) plays a crucial role, representing employees in matters concerning the working environment. In workplaces with 50 or more employees, a working environment committee (arbeidsmiljøutvalg - AMU) must be established. This committee is composed of representatives from both the employer and employees and works to improve the working environment, discusses major changes, and reviews reports on accidents and illnesses. The AMU has the authority to make decisions on matters within its mandate.
