Arbetsmiljöföreskrifterna

Arbetsmiljöföreskrifterna are Swedish regulations concerning the work environment. They are issued by the Swedish Work Environment Authority (Arbetsmiljöverket) and provide detailed rules and guidance on how employers should manage and improve the health and safety of their employees. These regulations cover a wide range of aspects of the working environment, including physical factors such as noise, vibrations, and hazardous substances, as well as organizational and psychosocial factors like workload, stress, and harassment.

The purpose of arbetsmiljöföreskrifterna is to prevent accidents, injuries, and ill health in the workplace. They establish the legal obligations for employers to identify risks, assess their severity, and implement measures to eliminate or reduce them. Employees also have rights and responsibilities related to the work environment, including the right to a safe workplace and the obligation to follow safety procedures.

These regulations are divided into different AFS (Arbetsmiljöverkets författningssamling) documents, each focusing on a specific area. For example, there are specific AFS for handling of chemicals, for ergonomics, for preventing stress, and for managing lone working. Employers are required to be familiar with the relevant AFS for their particular industry and work activities. Compliance with these regulations is crucial for maintaining a healthy and safe working environment and is subject to inspection by the Swedish Work Environment Authority.