arbetsmiljölagstiftning

Arbetsmiljölagen is the central Swedish law governing the working environment, with the aim of preventing ill health and accidents and ensuring a safe, healthy, and productive workplace. The act applies to all employers and employees, across sectors and company sizes, and is supplemented by sector- and activity-specific regulations. The Swedish Work Environment Authority (Arbetsmiljöverket) enforces the law and issues guidance to support compliance.

A core element of the law is systematic work environment management (systematiskt arbetsmiljöarbete, SAM). Employers are required to plan, lead, develop, and continuously follow up the work environment. This includes conducting risk assessments, identifying hazards, and implementing measures to prevent or reduce risks. Employers must provide necessary information, instruction, and training; ensure safe equipment and workplaces; manage handling of hazardous substances; and adapt the work to individuals’ needs. Employees and safety representatives must be involved in safety work and have access to relevant information.

Employees have a duty to cooperate in safety efforts, follow rules and instructions, use provided protective equipment, and report hazards or health concerns. The framework also supports employee participation in safety committees, safety rounds, and other forums for raising safety issues through appropriate channels.

Enforcement and scope: Arbetsmiljöverket conducts inspections and can issue orders, injunctions, or penalties for non-compliance. The law is supported by the Arbetsmiljöförordningen and by sector-specific provisions (AFS), which provide detailed requirements for particular industries, substances, or activities. Together, these rules establish a comprehensive system for managing risks to workers’ health and safety in Sweden.