The Working Environment Act

The purpose of the Working Environment Act is to ensure safe employment conditions and equal treatment in the workplace. The Act also aims to secure a working environment that provides the basis for a health-promoting and meaningful work situation, and to contribute to an inclusive working life.

A Central Protective Law

The Working Environment Act came into force on January 1, 2006. The Act is a central protective law that builds on the Working Environment Act of 1977 and earlier worker protection legislation.

The Act applies to most employment relationships in both private and public sector. However, there is separate legislation for maritime activities, hunting and fishing. The job security of civil servants and state employees is regulated by the Government Employees Act.

The Working Environment Act can only be deviated from to the detriment of the employee when it is stated in the individual provision that it can be deviated from by written agreement, collective agreement, or after dispensation from the Labour Inspection Authority.

The employer must ensure compliance with the rules provided in the Act and pursuant to it. Violation of the Act can be punished with fines or imprisonment.

The Working Environment Act contains provisions on a number of topics. The entire Act with its various chapters can be found at Lovdata: The Working Environment Act (lovdata.no)