March 17, 2025
The HSE Plan, known as the HMS-Plan (Helse, Miljø, Sikkerhet), is a mandatory document that outlines workplace health and safety regulations in Norwegian businesses. It serves as the foundation for systematic efforts to improve working conditions and minimize workplace hazards.
Every company operating in Norway, especially those in the construction, industrial, and transportation sectors, is required to have an implemented HSE Plan. This document is necessary for labor inspections (Arbeidstilsynet) and construction project approvals.
According to Norwegian HSE regulations, an HMS-Plan should include the following elements:
Special attention should be paid to the clarity and communicative function of the plan. It should be tailored to employees' cognitive capabilities. Ideally, it should be written in a language understandable to employees and translated into English or Norwegian. The plan should also be functional in its simplicity, containing specific information, data, preventive measures, dates, and signatures.
To ensure compliance with Norwegian requirements, consider the following guidelines:
Contact the experts at Novum Økonomi AS – we will help you prepare a document that complies with Norwegian regulations! Reach out directly to anna.korpalska@novum.no.
What is an HSE Plan (HMS-Plan)?
The HSE Plan, known as the HMS-Plan (Helse, Miljø, Sikkerhet), is a mandatory document that outlines workplace health and safety regulations in Norwegian businesses. It serves as the foundation for systematic efforts to improve working conditions and minimize workplace hazards.
Who Must Have an HMS-Plan?
Every company operating in Norway, especially those in the construction, industrial, and transportation sectors, is required to have an implemented HSE Plan. This document is necessary for labor inspections (Arbeidstilsynet) and construction project approvals.
Certain provisions of Norwegian labor law also apply to foreign employees who are permanently employed in another country but assigned to work in Norway. Foreign companies operating a branch in Norway (NUF) must comply with Norwegian HSE regulations.
Does every company in Norway need to have an employee safety representative (verneombud)? Read on to find out!
What Should an HMS-Plan Include?
According to Norwegian HSE regulations, an HMS-Plan should include the following elements:
- Company Information
- Risk Assessment and Preventive Measures
- Safety Procedures
- HSE Training and Instructions
- Emergency Action Plan
- Documentation and Monitoring
Language and Function of the HSE Plan (HMS-Plan)
Special attention should be paid to the clarity and communicative function of the plan. It should be tailored to employees' cognitive capabilities. Ideally, it should be written in a language understandable to employees and translated into English or Norwegian. The plan should also be functional in its simplicity, containing specific information, data, preventive measures, dates, and signatures.
The HSE Plan in Norway must be a "living" document, regularly updated to reflect changes within the company. If roles of those responsible for HSE change, this must be reflected in the plan. If employees report deviations in workplace conditions (e.g., protruding hazardous elements, unprotected openings, tangled cables), a deviation form should be included in the documentation.
The role of the HSE Plan in systematic safety work is clearly defined: it serves to document all safety-related factors in the workplace continuously.
How to Create an Effective HMS-Plan?
To ensure compliance with Norwegian requirements, consider the following guidelines:
- Tailor the Plan to Your Business – Risk assessment is a crucial part of the plan. It should be adapted to the specific conditions of the company and the workplace. Pre-made risk assessment templates can be used, but they must be customized for each business.
- Engage Employees – While the employer is responsible for workplace safety, employees must actively participate in systematic HSE efforts. Elements of the plan can be discussed during meetings or briefings. The employee safety representative should actively contribute to documenting systematic work, and their checklists, accident reports, and inspection findings should be included in the plan.
- Regularly Update the Document – Working conditions and regulations may change, so continuous updates are necessary. Creating the plan is only the first step in systematic HSE efforts. If the plan is set aside and forgotten (or lost among other apps on a phone), the Labor Inspection Authority may consider this a serious violation.
- Seek External Consultation – In many industries, there is a legal requirement to sign a contract with an occupational health service. Occupational health professionals (BHT) can assist in developing an HSE Plan. Many companies specialize in creating these plans, but it is essential that the plan is tailored to the specific business.
Consequences of Not Having an HSE Plan
- Failing to implement an HMS-Plan can result in serious consequences for a company, including:
- Financial penalties imposed by the Labor Inspection Authority,
- Suspension of construction work or business closure,
- Increased risk of accidents and occupational diseases,
- Difficulties in securing contracts and business collaborations.
Need Help Developing an HMS-Plan?
Contact the experts at Novum Økonomi AS – we will help you prepare a document that complies with Norwegian regulations! Reach out directly to
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