February 10, 2025
Every company in Norway with more than five employees must appoint a Health and Safety Representative (Norwegian: verneombud). In addition to the mandatory training, the representative has other duties, which are performed voluntarily as part of their role. One of the most crucial responsibilities is conducting workplace inspections and completing safety checklists. Remember! This obligation also applies to foreign companies operating in Norway!
Before starting an inspection, the Health and Safety Representative should:
Such meticulous preparation is key to identifying recurring issues and ensuring a systematic approach to workplace safety.
During a vernerunde, the representative carefully evaluates factors such as:
The Health and Safety Representative should undergo regular training and update procedures, ensuring that collective and individual protective measures are functional and accessible, and that employees are aware of emergency procedures.
This thorough approach to workplace inspections not only highlights potential risks but also fosters a culture of safety and awareness among employees. It is a dynamic process that encourages continuous improvement and adaptation to new challenges, making the workplace safer for everyone involved.
Would you like to learn more about effectively organizing and conducting vernerunder in Norway? Contact us for expert advice and detailed guidance to ensure that your workplace is not only compliant with regulations but also a benchmark for safety in your industry.
Check out our online HMS courses in Polish:https://hms.novumc.com/
Mandatory Health and Safety Representative in Norwegian Workplaces
Every company in Norway with more than five employees must appoint a Health and Safety Representative (Norwegian: verneombud). In addition to the mandatory training, the representative has other duties, which are performed voluntarily as part of their role. One of the most crucial responsibilities is conducting workplace inspections and completing safety checklists. Remember! This obligation also applies to foreign companies operating in Norway!
Best Preparation for Inspections
Before starting an inspection, the Health and Safety Representative should:
- Thoroughly review previous safety documentation and meeting records.
- Check reported deviations ("avvik") and updates from ongoing corrective actions.
- Analyze the action plan to identify critical areas requiring attention.
Such meticulous preparation is key to identifying recurring issues and ensuring a systematic approach to workplace safety.
During the Inspection: A Detailed and Proactive Approach
During a vernerunde, the representative carefully evaluates factors such as:
- General cleanliness and order in the workplace.
- Electrical safety
- Fire prevention measures.
- Ergonomics of workstations.
- Noise levels.
- Lighting conditions.
The representative should also proactively address minor issues on-site and record unresolved matters for further action. The results of the inspection should be integrated into the systematic workplace safety documentation. Any deviations or irregularities identified during the inspection must, of course, be rectified.
Post-Inspection Actions: Ensuring Continuous Improvement
The Health and Safety Representative should undergo regular training and update procedures, ensuring that collective and individual protective measures are functional and accessible, and that employees are aware of emergency procedures.
This thorough approach to workplace inspections not only highlights potential risks but also fosters a culture of safety and awareness among employees. It is a dynamic process that encourages continuous improvement and adaptation to new challenges, making the workplace safer for everyone involved.
Need Expert Guidance on Norwegian Workplace Safety?
Would you like to learn more about effectively organizing and conducting vernerunder in Norway? Contact us for expert advice and detailed guidance to ensure that your workplace is not only compliant with regulations but also a benchmark for safety in your industry.
Check out our online HMS courses in Polish:
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