September 01, 2025
Until now, the Act mainly regulated working conditions and safety in the offshore oil and gas industry. By expanding its scope to offshore renewable energy, Norway aims to ensure the same level of worker protection and safety standards as those applied in the petroleum sector.
Companies operating in offshore renewable energy will need to align their HSE (health, safety and environment) procedures, working time regulations, and employee policies with the requirements of the Norwegian Working Environment Act.
For employees, this change means stronger legal protection and safer working conditions.
At the same time, the authorities are preparing new regulations (forskrift) that will specify detailed HSE requirements for the offshore renewable energy sector.
Author:Anna Korpalska
Graphics: Open AI, Chat GPT
Renewable energy is a rapidly growing industry across Europe. But how are workers protected, and what responsibilities do employers have in the offshore wind sector? In Norway, significant changes have been introduced to the main regulations governing the working environment.
Starting 1 January 2026, the Norwegian Working Environment Act (Arbeidsmiljøloven) will be extended to cover new offshore industries. The changes apply to the production of renewable energy from offshore wind farms as well as the transmission and processing of electricity at sea.
Starting 1 January 2026, the Norwegian Working Environment Act (Arbeidsmiljøloven) will be extended to cover new offshore industries. The changes apply to the production of renewable energy from offshore wind farms as well as the transmission and processing of electricity at sea.
Why are the changes introduced?
Until now, the Act mainly regulated working conditions and safety in the offshore oil and gas industry. By expanding its scope to offshore renewable energy, Norway aims to ensure the same level of worker protection and safety standards as those applied in the petroleum sector.
Norway has set ambitious goals for offshore wind, aiming for up to 30 GW of installed capacity by 2040. With such growth, clear regulations on occupational safety, working hours, and employee rights are essential.
What exactly is changing?
- New title of § 1-3 in the Act – from “Petroleum activities at sea” to the more general “Offshore activities.”
- Extended scope of the law to include:
- production of renewable energy (e.g., offshore wind farms),
- transmission and processing of electricity at sea.
- transmission and processing of electricity at sea.
- Effective date: 1 January 2026.
What does this mean for employers and employees?
Companies operating in offshore renewable energy will need to align their HSE (health, safety and environment) procedures, working time regulations, and employee policies with the requirements of the Norwegian Working Environment Act.
For employees, this change means stronger legal protection and safer working conditions.
At the same time, the authorities are preparing new regulations (forskrift) that will specify detailed HSE requirements for the offshore renewable energy sector.
Author:
Graphics: Open AI, Chat GPT
Sources:
Questions about doing business & accounting services in Norway?
Send question now!We are here to help you.
