The Work Environment Act

Together, Swedish employers, employees and equipment suppliers share a common responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment. The Work Environment Act outlines the regulations that make this possible, including measures to restrict workplace hazards, prevent accidents and otherwise protect the physical and mental health of employees.

The employer has the main responsibility for planning and controlling efforts to improve the work environment, while employees are required to follow safety instructions and use the available protective equipment. Manufacturers and suppliers of machinery and technical equipment are also responsible for ensuring safe operating conditions.

As with many aspects of life in Sweden, children and young people are carefully protected by the Work Environment Act. No one under 16 years of age may be employed, except for non-hazardous tasks such as office work. Similarly, children under the age of 13 may only do work that doesn’t require physical or mental strain, such as handing out leaflets or selling magazines.

Legally, the Swedish Work Environment Authority and regional Labor Inspectorates ensure that the Act’s requirements are followed. However, since most Swedish workplaces are relatively open and non-hierarchical, health and safety issues are often discussed and resolved informally among workers and employers.

The Swedish Work Environment Authority also supplies information concerning terms and conditions of employment applying in connection with posting of workers to Sweden.

Read more about posting of workers at the Swedish Work Environment Authority