Employers are strongly encouraged to prioritize investing in safety and well-being of their employeesrather than administrative fines.
With the new law that came into force on January 1, 2025, the Administration of Occupational Safety and Health (AOSH) is authorized to impose administrative fines on employers, contractor or their representatives for repeated violations of occupational safety and health regulations. A violation is considered repeated when the Labor Inspectorate has previously given instructions for corrections due to the same violation.
Attention is drawn to the fact that this authorization is not limited to certain professions and can therefore be applied to any employer.
a single violation is sufficient. In certain cases, a single violation may be sufficient, and repeated offenses are not required
This applies, for example, when:
Children under the age of 13 employed or young people employed to work in hazardous conditions.
The contractor or his representative fails to notify the work site before the practical work begins. The contractor or his representative does not announce the work site before the actual work begins.
The ban on the use of asbestos in the workplace is being violated.
The following are examples of violations of the Act on Working Environment, Health and Safety in Workplaces that may result in fines if the Labor Inspectorate has previously issued instructions for the same violations. Note that the list is not definitive.Fall protection equipment is not available or not used. For example, fall protection belts or lines.
Scaffolding or pipe work platforms do not meet safety requirements. For example, if a railing is missing, gaps in the flooring or platforms being positioned too far from the building
Personal protective equipment is either unavailable or not used. For example, helmets, safety shoes and safety glasses.
Work ban is not respected.
The safety equipment on machines and devices is insufficient. For example, if guards are missing that prevent personnel from accessing moving parts or if an emergency stop buttons are not present or not working.
There is a serious and large-scale violation of the rest period of the /employees. For example, when employees/ operate machines and equipment where lack of rest can lead to serious consequences for employees and public interest.
The employer fails to report an accident at work or provides false or misleading information about an accident at work that results in chronic or permanent damage to the health of an employee or in the death of an employee.
Young people under the age of 18 are employed in shops, fast food restaurants and gas stations without adult supervision.
Young people under the age of 18, hired to work with dangerous substances. For example, flammable liquids, self-reactive substances and chemical preparations. Jobs such as handling chemicals in chemical pools or pumping gasoline and oil at gas stations.
Children still in compulsory education are employed where there is a high risk of accidents. For example, in construction sites. Children who have reached the age of 15 are, however, permitted to start an apprenticeship which is a necessary part of a vocational or vocational apprenticeship if certain conditions are met.
Children under the age of 15 employed in conditions where the work is likely to exceed their physical or mental capacity or where the work may cause permanent damage to their health. The same applies where there is a risk of an accident or where there is danger due to unusual cold, heat, noise or vibration. Jobs that could apply here are jobs in civil engineering, fish processing and industry.
As can be seen in the examples above, these are often safety issues that are easy to fulfil and are important to ensure the safety and well-being of employees. In some cases, the Administration of Occupational Safety and Health/AOSH has repeatedly given workplaces the same instructions about self-evident safety issues. For example:
Instructions are given for employeesto use helmets and fall protection equipment during work. When the Labor Inspectorate revisit the site, the equipment is either not in use or has been left in a vehicle, rendering it ineffective.In the beginning of 2025, such oversights may result in workplaces incurring costs through administrative fines.
#Let's join hands: respect the safety rules that apply in the work environment and prevent accidents before they happen Find out more about the changes to the Act on on Working Environment, Health and Safety in Workplaces, which will come into force on 1 January 2025. An overview of the Administration of Occupational Safety and Health for fines can be found in Article 8 of the amendment act.
How is participation encouraged among everyone in the workplace?
The Administration of Occupational Safety and Health encourages workplaces to implement a culture where emphasis is placed on the well-being and safety of employees. A healthy workplace culture lays the foundation for well-being and safety in the workplace.
That means:
Employers and managers, in cooperation with employees, must establish clear values and standards for the workplace that relate to the safety and well-being of employees.
Everyone in the workplace must follow the rules and standards that the workplace has set.
Managers need to set the tone by leading through example.
When values and standards are changed, the behaviour of employees in the workplace gradually changes, and the culture at the same time. The benefit will be increased safety and well-being of employees.
Everyone in the workplace influences the workplace culture and shares responsibility for its success.
It’s also important for employees to understand that they can communicate openly with management when something isn’t right.
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Examples of criteria construction sites:
Helmets must be worn at all times on the work site.
Fall protection equipment is available and in use where appropriate.
Tools should be stored or disposed of correctly after use to prevent tripping hazards.
Examples of criteria for working with machines:
Machines must never be operated if any safety devices have been disabled.
All machine safety guards must be properly in place before operation.
Examples of standards for workplace communication:
In this workplace, we support each other and communicate openly when something isn’t right
Examples of criteria regarding the work of children and adolescents:
At this workplace, we prioritize proper training and structured work organization for all children and teenagers on the job.
For occupational health and safety efforts to be effective, theymust be addressed daily. This means that the risks that exist that day must be reviewed and acted upon. This is especially true in workplaces that change from day to day as the work progresses , or where factors like weather can affect safety.
By paying attention to occupational health and safety daily, you can prevent accidents, mishaps, and discomfort for your employees.. If the criteria are clear, this should not take long, and it is good to remember that happy and confident employees are more likely to be successful in theirwork.
The Administration of Occupational Safety and Health monitors that workplaces ensure the safety, health and well-being of employees. When things are not right, the employer is instructed to make improvements.
#Let's join hands: identify the risks in the work environment and respond to the dangers.
It’s in your hands not to get a government fine.
Administrative fines are fines that can be imposed directly on employers by the Administration of Occupational Safety and Health when they violate the Act on Working Environment, Health and Safety in Workplaces and the regulations based on them.
The purpose is to encourage employers to comply with the rules that apply to the safety and well-being of employees at workplaces.
Administrative fines are imposed without direct court proceedings. If the employer thinks the fine is unjustified , the decision of the Administration of Occupational Safety and Health can be appealed to the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor Market within three months of receiving the notice.
