Employers must ensure that employees who operate work machines in Iceland for which specific rights are required hold full work machine rights.

Employees can either obtain work machine rights in Iceland or apply for recognition of their foreign rights. Employers may apply for recognition of foreign work machine rights on behalf of their employees.

Only persons who have obtained full work machine rights are permitted to operate work machines in Iceland.

Courses and examinations

To obtain work machine rights, you must:

• Be at least 17 years of age.

• Hold a valid driving licence.

• Have completed the required education and training.

• Pass a practical examination administered by the Administration of Occupational Safety and Health (AOSH).

Further information on work machine rights, categories of rights and training.

Recognition of foreign work machine rights in Iceland

• If an employee holds work machine rights issued in another EEA Member State, they must apply to the AOSH for recognition of those rights before commencing work in Iceland. Foreign work machine rights are not valid in Iceland without such recognition; otherwise, Icelandic work machine rights must be obtained.

• Employers may apply for recognition of foreign work machine rights on behalf of their workers.

• This is in accordance with the Act on the Recognition of Professional Qualifications for Work in Iceland.

Further information on recognition of foreign work machine rights and the application process.