Norwegian companies that are required to enter into a contract with an occupational health service (BHT) will face stricter inspections in 2025. The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority (Arbeidstilsynet) will seek to ensure that BHTs are not merely a formality, but make a genuine contribution to the safety and health of employees.

In 2025, the Labour Inspectorate will check how companies cooperate with the Occupational Health and Safety Service and ensure that:

• Prevention of chemical hazards – do employers, with the assistance of the occupational health and safety service, properly assess and minimise employees’ exposure to asbestos, quartz dust and other hazardous substances? The OHS must be actively involved in identifying risks, implementing protective measures and advising employers and employees.

• Prevention of musculoskeletal disorders – do employers, in collaboration with the occupational health and safety service, take measures to ensure that unsuitable working conditions, heavy lifting and poor ergonomics do not cause long-term health problems for employees. The OHS must provide recommendations on ergonomic workplace adjustments and workload management.

• HSE (Health, Safety and Environment) management – checks will be carried out to ensure that companies prepare and maintain HSE documentation correctly and ensure that all employees are familiar with safety procedures and risk prevention. The Health and Safety Committee must play an active role in developing the HSE system, training staff and ensuring that preventive measures are effectively implemented in practice.

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For more details on the Labour Inspectorate’s inspections in 2025, please read the official article:
https://www.arbeidstilsynet.no/nyheter/dette-skal-arbeidstilsynet-fore-tilsyn-med-i-bygg-og-anlegg-i-2025/