In Iceland, significant emphasis is placed on workplace safety and health. The framework for Icelandic safety and health regulations is primarily based on European Union directives transposed into Icelandic legislation.

Key Legislation

The cornerstone of Icelandic safety and health law is the Act on Working Environment, Health, and Safety in Workplaces, No. 46/1980. It sets out the general duties of employers, employees, and government authorities involved in ensuring a safe working environment.

Employer Responsibilities

Employers in Iceland have extensive responsibilities under the law, including:

• Risk Assessment and Prevention: Employers must systematically identify, assess, and take measures to control workplace hazards (Act No. 46/1980, Art. 5).
• Information and Training: Employers must provide employees with adequate information and training on workplace hazards and preventive measures (Act No. 46/1980, Art. 9).
• Safety Committees: In workplaces with 50 or more employees, employers must establish safety committees with worker representative participation (Act No. 46/1980, Art. 12).
• Safety Representatives: In workplaces with ten or more employees, workers have the right to elect safety representatives with the authority to monitor safety and health conditions and raise concerns with employers (Act No. 46/1980, Art. 15).
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Employers must provide necessary PPE to employees at no cost (Act No. 46/1980, Art. 10).

Employee Rights and Responsibilities

• Right to Refuse Dangerous Work: Employees have the right to refuse work they believe poses an immediate and serious danger (Act No. 46/1980, Art. 24).
• Right to Participate: Employees have the right to participate in safety and health matters through safety representatives and safety committees.
• Compliance with Safety Measures: Employees must follow safety rules, use PPE, and report hazards (Act No. 46/1980, Art. 20).

Specific Regulations

In addition to the central safety and health Act, there are numerous regulations covering specific hazards and industries, such as:

• Regulation on the Use of Work Equipment, No. 920/2006
• Regulation on Chemical Agents and Hazardous Substances, No. 553/2004
• Regulation on Construction Site Safety No. 286/2006

Enforcement

The Administration of Occupational Safety and Health (AOSH) is the primary regulatory agency responsible for enforcing safety and health laws in Iceland. AOSH has the authority to conduct workplace inspections, issue improvement notices or prohibition orders, and impose fines and other penalties.

Additional Notes

1. Icelandic safety and health Laws apply to all types of workplaces regardless of size or industry.
2. Employers that fail to comply with safety and health laws may face sanctions and potential civil liability if a worker is injured.

Occupational health and safety (OHS) is a crucial aspect of any workplace. In Iceland, the Act on Working Environment, Health and Safety in Workplaces No. 46/1980 is the foundational law for OHS. It mandates employers' responsibilities to ensure a safe and healthy workplace and outlines employee rights and obligations.

Regulatory Body

The Administration of Occupational Safety and Health (AOSH), under the Ministry of Welfare, is the central authority responsible for enforcing OHS regulations, promoting preventative measures, and providing information and guidance.

Employer Responsibilities

Employers have several responsibilities under OHS regulations. These include:

• Risk Assessment and Prevention: Employers must systematically identify and assess workplace hazards, implement control measures to eliminate or minimize risks, and regularly review their risk management strategies.
• Safety Training and Information: Employers must provide employees with adequate safety training, information on workplace hazards, and instructions on safe work procedures.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Employers are obligated to provide appropriate PPE at no cost to employees and ensure its proper use.
• Incident Reporting and Investigation: Employers must report work-related accidents, injuries, and illnesses. They must also investigate incidents to prevent recurrence.
• Employee Participation: Employers must facilitate employee involvement in OHS matters through safety committees or representatives.

Employee Rights and Responsibilities

Employees also have rights and responsibilities under OHS regulations. These include:

• Right to a Safe Workplace: Employees have the right to work in a safe and healthy environment.
• Right to Refuse Unsafe Work: Employees can refuse work they believe poses an imminent danger to themselves or others.
• Right to Information and Training: Employees have the right to receive OHS training and information necessary to perform their jobs safely.
• Responsibility to Follow Safety Regulations: Employees must adhere to OHS rules, use PPE correctly, and report any hazards or unsafe conditions.

Specific OHS Areas

There are specific OHS areas that employers must pay attention to:

• Chemical Safety: Employers must handle hazardous chemicals safely, including proper labeling, storage, use, and disposal.
• Machinery Safety: Machinery must be properly guarded and maintained. Employers must provide training on safe operation.
• Construction Safety: The construction industry has specific OHS regulations due to its higher risk nature. Employers must implement fall protection, scaffolding safety measures, and more.
• Ergonomics: Employers should address ergonomic hazards to prevent musculoskeletal disorders through workstation design, work practices, and training.
• Psychosocial Hazards: Icelandic OHS regulations recognize the importance of addressing stress, bullying, and other psychosocial risk factors that can impact mental health.

Resources and Assistance

The AOSH website provides extensive OHS regulations, guidelines, checklists, training materials, and other resources. Employees can also seek support and guidance from their unions or workplace safety representatives.

Workplace inspections are a crucial part of maintaining safety standards in Iceland. The primary body responsible for conducting these inspections is the Administration of Occupational Safety and Health (AOSH). AOSH employs safety and health inspectors who are authorized to enter workplaces for inspection purposes.

Responsible Authority

AOSH is the main authority that conducts workplace inspections in Iceland. They employ safety and health inspectors who have the authority to enter workplaces for inspection purposes.

Inspection Criteria

The inspections in Iceland are generally guided by the following broad areas:

• Compliance with the Act on Working Environment, Health, and Safety in Workplaces No. 46/1980: Inspectors assess whether workplaces adhere to the fundamental requirements of this Act.
• Implementation of Risk Assessments and Control Measures: Inspections verify if employers have conducted thorough risk assessments and implemented appropriate control measures to address identified hazards.
• Safety Systems and Procedures: Inspectors review safety management systems, work procedures, safety training programs, emergency preparedness, and other elements that contribute to overall workplace safety.
• Specific Areas: Inspections may focus on particular aspects of workplace safety such as chemical handling, machinery safety, ergonomics, noise, or psychosocial hazards.

Inspection Frequency

The frequency of workplace inspections in Iceland varies depending on several factors:

• Risk Level: Workplaces that present a higher risk of accidents or occupational illnesses due to the nature of their operations may be subject to more frequent inspections.
• Workforce Size: Larger workplaces might be inspected more often.
• Inspection History: Workplaces with a history of violations or safety incidents could undergo greater scrutiny.
• Specific Campaigns or Initiatives: AOSH sometimes conducts targeted inspections focusing on specific industries or hazards.

Inspection Procedures

The inspection process includes the following steps:

1. Notice and Preparation: AOSH may provide advance notice of inspections or conduct unannounced visits depending on the circumstances. Employers should prepare relevant documentation (risk assessments, safety plans, incident records) for review.
2. Opening Interview: Inspectors typically begin with an opening meeting with the employer or their representative to outline the inspection's scope and procedures.
3. Workplace Walk-Through: Inspectors conduct a physical walkthrough of the workplace, observing work processes, equipment, facilities, and potential hazards.
4. Interviews and Documentation Review: Inspectors may interview employees, review safety records, training logs, and other relevant documentation.
5. Closing Meeting: Upon completion, inspectors hold a closing meeting to discuss their findings and any potential violations or improvement recommendations.
6. Inspection Report: AOSH issues a formal inspection report detailing observations, areas of non-compliance, and required corrective actions.

Follow-Up Actions

After the inspection, the following actions may be taken:

• Addressing Non-Compliance: Employers are given a specified timeframe to rectify any identified violations of regulations.
• Reinspection: AOSH may follow up with reinspections to verify that corrective actions have been implemented.
• Enforcement Actions: In cases of serious or repeated violations, AOSH can issue fines or pursue other enforcement actions.

Icelandic regulations promote cooperation between inspectors, employers, and employees. The focus is on identifying and correcting safety issues to create healthier and safer workplaces for all.

Iceland has a comprehensive system for handling workplace accidents to ensure prompt reporting, fair investigation, and access to compensation for injured workers.

Reporting Requirements

Employers in Iceland are legally obligated to notify the Administration of Occupational Safety and Health (AOSH) immediately in case of serious accidents or fatalities. AOSH maintains a dedicated telephone line for urgent reporting. Additionally, employers must submit a detailed written report to AOSH within a specified timeframe for any accident causing work absence or requiring medical attention beyond first aid.

Investigation Processes

Employers are required to conduct an internal investigation to determine the causes of workplace accidents and identify measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. AOSH may also investigate serious accidents or incidents with potential wider implications. Their investigations aim to identify the root causes and contributing factors and may involve inspector visits, interviews, and examination of records.

Compensation Claims

Workers injured in workplace accidents are generally entitled to compensation through the Icelandic social insurance system, overseen by Tryggingastofnun ríkisins. Injured workers may receive benefits including medical treatment and rehabilitation costs, temporary or permanent disability benefits, and survivor benefits in case of a fatal workplace accident.

Key Legal and Regulatory Sources

The Act on Working Environment, Health and Safety in Workplaces No. 46/1980 mandates accident reporting and investigation requirements. The Regulation on the Notification of Occupational Accidents, Diseases and Hazardous Incidents No. 318/2007 outlines specific reporting procedures and timeframes. The Icelandic Social Insurance Act No. 117/1993 provides the framework for workers' compensation benefits in case of workplace injuries and illnesses.