The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority’s New Focus Areas: What Should Your Business Consider?

The Labour Inspection Authority’s Seven Main Priorities For the period 2025–2029

The Labour Inspection Authority will have the following seven main priorities:

1. Prevention of work-related accidents
2. Prevention of work-related musculoskeletal and psychological disorders
3. Prevention of exposure to carcinogenic chemicals
4. Safeguarding of statutory wage and working conditions, especially for vulnerable workers
5. Ensuring that consumers and clients set and follow up on requirements for wage and working conditions
6. Strengthening foreign workers’ knowledge of their rights and obligations in Norwegian working life
7. Reducing the capacity and intent of key threat actors

Focus on HSE and Wage and Working Conditions

The areas highlighted by the Labour Inspection Authority demonstrate that HSE and proper wage and working conditions will be central to the Authority’s work going forward. The Authority has signaled that serious violations of labour laws may have significant financial consequences for businesses. The seriousness of this is underscored by the fact that, over the past year, the Authority has imposed more administrative fines exceeding NOK 500,000 than previously, as a direct result of the Parliament increasing the upper limit for such fines.

At Hjort, we have already begun to see the consequences of increased inspections and stricter requirements. Our recommendation is that systematic HSE work, including the control and implementation of routines, should be high on the priority list for all businesses. Thorough documentation is crucial in this work.

Our Expertise

Hjort has extensive experience and expertise in employment law. We assist both employers and employees in understanding and complying with applicable regulations and offer advice tailored to the needs of your business.

In autumn 2025, we will hold our annual employment law seminar. You can register here.