Workplace safety in Sweden: employer guide

Short answer

In Sweden, use the Arbetsmiljöverket (Swedish Work Environment Authority) and Arbetsmiljölagen (Work Environment Act) to plan workplace safety and instruction.

Who oversees safety at work?

Start with the tasks and hazards at your site. This page points to the regulator and legal framework; check their current guidance before making a workplace decision. The relevant public body is Arbetsmiljöverket (Swedish Work Environment Authority).

What should an employer do first?

Employers take steps to prevent ill health and accidents, assess work risks and ensure workers receive sufficient instruction. Arbetsmiljölagen (Work Environment Act) For each task, write down the hazard, the control and the instruction workers need. Tie instruction to systematic work-environment management and check workers can use the controls in practice.

Five training topics to check

Choose from these topics using the job's risks; this is not a universal course list. Arbetsmiljölagen (Work Environment Act)

1. Work environment induction — explain local hazards and the reporting route. 2. Ergonomics — demonstrate the safe method for this task. 3. Machinery — check equipment, exclusion zones and supervision. 4. Chemicals — check labels and local exposure controls. 5. Psychosocial risks — explain the reporting and support route.

Useful official links

• Arbetsmiljöverket (Swedish Work Environment Authority)
• Arbetsmiljölagen (Work Environment Act)