Work environment
The working environment is regulated by the Working Environment Act and encompasses the physical, organizational, and social conditions at the workplace. The law sets requirements on how to prevent occupational environment risks and how responsibility is distributed between employers and employees. As labor law attorneys, we help employers and employees understand the regulatory framework and how it should be applied in practice.
The Work Environment Act – what does it mean?
The Work Environment Act (1977:1160) regulates the basic requirements for the work environment and applies to work performed in Sweden. The act covers both Swedish and foreign employers as well as employees regardless of nationality. As a general rule, however, it does not apply to work performed outside Sweden's borders.
The purpose of the Work Environment Act is to prevent ill-health and accidents at work, and to create a good and safe working environment. The Act is an umbrella law and is therefore supplemented by regulations from the Swedish Work Environment Authority, which specify more detailed requirements.
Employer's responsibility according to the Work Environment Act
The employer has overall responsibility for the work environment. This means that the employer must take the necessary actions to prevent employees from being exposed to ill health or accidents.
This responsibility includes conducting systematic work environment management (SAM). This means the operations must be regularly investigated, risks assessed, measures taken, and followed up on. In many cases, documentation is an important part of this work.
The employer shall also clarify the division of responsibilities within the organization, ensure that managers and supervisors have adequate competence, and provide employees with the necessary information and instructions. Furthermore, working conditions shall be adapted to the employees' different circumstances.
The employee's duties in the work environment efforts
The employee also has a duty to participate in the work environment efforts. This includes, among other things, following given instructions, using personal protective equipment, and alerting the employer to risks or deficiencies in the work environment.
A functioning collaboration between employers and employees is a central part of occupational health and safety work. When both parties contribute actively, better conditions are created for a safe and sustainable workplace.
Safety representative and safety committee
Many workplaces are required to have safety representatives who represent employees in occupational health and safety matters. In larger operations, a safety committee may also be required.
The safety representative's role is important for ensuring that work environment issues are identified promptly and that risks can be managed before they lead to ill health or accidents.
Examples of situations that may violate workplace safety laws
Gaps in the work environment can be both physical and psychosocial.
Examples of situations that may constitute violations of the Work Environment Act include:
- Sexual harassment or offensive differential treatment.
- High workload and stress without sufficient support.
- Inadequate routines for conflict management or work supervision.
- Poor ergonomics, for example, incorrect working postures or lack of aids.
- Unsafe or dangerous work environments that can lead to accidents.
- Deficient safety procedures or protective equipment
Consequences of deficiencies in the work environment
If the employer does not fulfill their occupational health and safety responsibilities, it can lead to sanctions, such as orders, prohibitions, or penalty fees.
This is why it is important for workplace environment work to be conducted systematically and for responsibilities, routines, and documentation to be clear within the organization.
We can help you with this
RB Jurist helps employers and employees understand the requirements of the Work Environment Act and how the rules should be applied in practice. Our goal is to provide clear, legally correct, and business-adapted advice.
We can assist with questions regarding occupational health and safety responsibilities, systematic occupational health and safety work, safety representatives, documentation, and measures for deficiencies in the work environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Work Environment
What is the work environment in working life?
Work environment encompasses all factors that affect our experience at work, including physical, organizational, and social aspects. This can range from workload and well-being to ergonomics and safety.
What counts as a violation of the Work Environment Act?
Violations of the Work Environment Act can occur when an employer fails to prevent risks or address deficiencies in the work environment, for example, in cases of harassment, dangerous working conditions, or high workloads without support.
What is the employer's responsibility for the work environment?
The employer has ultimate responsibility for the work environment and must prevent ill health and accidents by conducting systematic work environment management.
How does systematic work environment management (SAM) work?
Systematic work environment management means that the employer continuously investigates, addresses, and monitors the work environment to prevent risks.
What is offensive differential treatment in the workplace?
Offensive preferential treatment means that a person is treated badly in a way that can lead to ill health, for example through exclusion, demeaning comments, or bullying.
What should you as an employee do in case of a bad work environment?
It is important to first raise the issue with the employer or safety representative. If the problem persists, there may be reasons to seek legal advice.