Arbejdsmiljøstyrelsen

Arbejdsmiljøstyrelsen, the Danish Working Environment Authority, was a Danish government agency responsible for promoting and enforcing safe and healthy working conditions in Denmark. It operated under the Ministry of Employment and implemented provisions of the Working Environment Act (Arbejdsmiljøloven) and related legislation. The agency’s core responsibilities included inspecting workplaces to ensure compliance, issuing safety orders and penalties where appropriate, and providing guidance to employers and employees on risk assessment, preventive measures, and incident reporting.

In addition to enforcement, Arbejdsmiljøstyrelsen collected statistics on work-related injuries and ill health, and published guidelines, manuals, and periodic reports to support evidence-based policy and practice. The agency coordinated information campaigns, training programs, and outreach efforts to improve occupational safety culture, and it worked with employers, employees, safety representatives, and other stakeholders to promote good practices.

The agency also engaged in collaboration at national and European levels, aligning Denmark’s occupational safety and health policies with EU directives and international standards. It maintained a public information role, offering resources and advice to help workplaces implement compliant safety measures and manage workplace hazards effectively.

Organizationally, Arbejdsmiljøstyrelsen operated with a headquarters in Copenhagen and regional offices to respond to concerns across the country. Over time, its responsibilities have been integrated into or associated with the Danish Working Environment Authority (Arbejdstilsynet), which continues to oversee work environment regulation in Denmark.