June 03, 2024
In this article you will find out:
- Which companies are required to have a "verneombud" - HSE representative in Norway.
- What is the role of HSE-representatives in Norwegian companies.
- Who is responsible for verneombud's training.
- Are branches of foreign companies in Norway required to choose verneombud.
Who is verneombud - HSE-Representative in Norway?
In Norway, the role of a "verneombud" or Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) representative is a critical component in ensuring workplace safety and promoting employee well-being. This position is mandatory in all Norwegian companies that have more than 5 employees, reflecting a recent change aimed at improving safety in smaller workplaces as well.
Read more about Norwegian the structure and roles in the Norwegian HSE system in our article: HSE in Norway. 5 golden tips where to begin.
Representative's duties
The primary duty of the verneombud is to ensure that the company adheres to safety regulations and serves as an advocate for the employees on issues related to the working environment. Elected by the workforce, the HSE representative acts as a crucial link between employees and management, especially concerning health and safety matters.
Their responsibilities include conducting regular inspections to identify potential hazards, participating in developing safety procedures, and investigating accidents or incidents. The HSE representative plays a vital role in creating a safer work environment, possessing the authority to halt operations deemed dangerous until proper safety measures are in place.
Training and skills of a verneombud
To effectively fulfill their duties, a verneombud needs a thorough understanding of health and safety regulations and robust communication skills to address and articulate employee concerns effectively. This role underscores Norway's proactive approach to prioritizing and continuously enhancing workplace health and safety standards.
It is the employer' s duty to provide verneombud with proper training during his working hours. The training should be a 40-hours' course, however employer and employees can come to an agreement about a shorter duration of the course, depending on the specific safety conditions in the company.
It is the employer' s duty to provide verneombud with proper training during his working hours. The training should be a 40-hours' course, however employer and employees can come to an agreement about a shorter duration of the course, depending on the specific safety conditions in the company.
There are other instances involved in the systematic HSE work (systematisk HMS arbeid) on should remember about while establishing the HSE system in a Norwegian company. Read more about these: Important! Changes in the Norwegian occupational health and safety system from January 2024.
Should a branch of a foreign company in Norway *(NUF) have a verneombud - HSE representative?
The answer straithforward: Yes, a branch of a foreign company in Norway, known as a NUF (Norskregistrert utenlandsk foretak), should have a "verneombud" (HSE representative) if it meets certain conditions. The requirement to appoint an HSE representative is generally based on the number of employees:
- If the branch has more than 5 employees, it is mandatory to have an HSE representative. This representative acts as the voice of the employees in matters concerning health, safety, and environment in the workplace.
- For smaller branches with fewer than 5 employees, it is not mandatory to appoint an HSE representative, but it is still encouraged to ensure safety and compliance with Norwegian workplace regulations.
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