Young workers in Norway - employer obligations and requirements

Do you know what additional requirements apply when employing young workers in Norway?

When hiring employees under the age of 18, employers are subject to stricter safety and work-organization requirements than when working with adults. This is especially relevant in jobs involving tools, machinery, or an increased risk to employee safety.

The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority emphasizes that young workers are considered a particularly vulnerable group, which means the employer’s responsibility is greater in these cases.

What must employers assess in practice? 🤔

1️⃣ Hazardous work is generally prohibited for persons under 18 - young workers may not be assigned tasks that could pose a serious risk to their health or safety, such as working with dangerous machinery, tools, chemical substances, or in environments with a high risk of falls or injuries. Exceptions are only possible in cases of vocational training and must include additional protective measures.

2️⃣ Risk assessments must be specifically adapted to young workers - general risk assessments are not sufficient. The employer must assess whether the young worker has adequate experience, understanding, and training to perform the work safely, and whether the working conditions could negatively affect their development.

3️⃣ Working hours and rest periods are more strictly regulated - persons under 18 are not allowed to work overtime, and working hours must be organized in a way that does not interfere with rest and, where applicable, education. This is a common area of non-compliance identified during inspections.

4️⃣ Clear training and continuous supervision are mandatory - minor employees must receive clear instructions adapted to their age and experience, and the employer must ensure real, ongoing supervision during work, not merely formal “training” on paper.

If your company employs young workers and there are questions about whether safety and work-organization requirements are being properly implemented, Nord HMS can help assess risks and prepare for inspections.