May 27, 2024
Additionally, complying with fire safety regulations and ensuring adequate ventilation are fundamental to the safety and health of workers.
We encourage you to regularly visit our blog to stay updated with the latest information and regulations regarding work in Norway.
More questions about posted employees? We have expert knowledge on the regulations, payroll, accounting. Contact us for more information on Norwegian Registered Foreign Companies (NUF).
Author: Anna Korpalska
Employers in Norway who offer accommodation for foreign workers and workers delegated to Norway must meet specific legal requirements. Understanding and complying with these regulations is crucial to ensure dignified living conditions for employees and avoid potential penalties.
Accommodation Standards
According to Norwegian regulations, accommodation must be properly designed, furnished, and maintained to meet the needs of technological and social development in society. This includes providing:
- Bedrooms with windows that can open,
- Recreational rooms equipped with furniture such as chairs and sofas, with access to television or the Internet,
- Private lockers or wardrobes for clothing,
- Access to a bathroom with a lockable toilet and shower for every 4-5 workers,
- A laundry room with the ability to wash and dry clothes,
- Designated dining areas with the capability to cook and consume meals.
Employer's Obligations
The employer must also pay attention to cleanliness, order, and the privacy of employees, which directly impacts their dignity. Privacy issues are especially important in the case of long-term stays, where foreign workers should have individual rooms provided.
House Rules and Safety
Employers are required to cooperate with employees to establish house rules that regulate issues such as:
- Division of household duties,
- Rules concerning cleanliness and hygiene,
- Times designated for laundry and cooking,
- Rules regarding alcohol consumption and smoking,
- Determining quiet times and rules for hosting guests.
Additionally, complying with fire safety regulations and ensuring adequate ventilation are fundamental to the safety and health of workers.
Upcoming Changes from June 1, 2024
From June 1, 2024, new, more detailed requirements for the accommodation of foreign workers in Norway will be introduced. Regulations will be standardized, which will reduce the scope for interpretation and make it easier for employers to comply. The changes will particularly emphasize that:
- Workers have the right to a single room for longer stays,
- They must have access to a bathroom and toilet in the immediate vicinity of their room,
- They should also have access to a recreational room nearby equipped with a table and chairs, and internet access.
Control and Supervision
Arbeidstilsynet, the Norwegian labor inspection authority, has the right to conduct inspections of accommodations to ensure that they meet all statutory requirements. Employers must be prepared to cooperate with relevant institutions to maintain safety and hygiene standards.
Conclusions
Understanding and complying with the regulations regarding the accommodation of foreign workers in Norway is a key element of every employer's responsibility. It is not just a matter of legality, but also ensuring that delegated workers in Norway feel safe, comfortable, and respected during their stay in the country.
We encourage you to regularly visit our blog to stay updated with the latest information and regulations regarding work in Norway.
More questions about posted employees? We have expert knowledge on the regulations, payroll, accounting. Contact us for more information on Norwegian Registered Foreign Companies (NUF).
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