At a glance
- Significant amendments to the Norwegian Working Environment Act have been proposed.
- With the amendments, the Norwegian government aims to strengthen the enforcement powers of the Labour Inspection Authority.
- The proposals provide for new and extended rights to access sites; obtain information; secure evidence; and issue administrative fines.
The Norwegian government has proposed legislative amendments to the Working Environment Act aimed at strengthening the enforcement powers of the Labour Inspection Authority.
The proposals include new powers to obtain information from third parties; secure evidence with court approval; and issue administrative fines on-site during inspections.
Under the proposed amendments, the statute of limitations for imposing fines would be extended from two to five years, while the Labour Inspection Authority would be empowered to impose fines on individuals in leadership roles. Further to this, the involvement of police assistance would be permissible when needed and necessary. Inspectors would be granted authority to take direct measures in accessing worksites, such as breaking of locks.
If the proposed changes are adopted, corresponding changes would also be made to the General Application Act, the Procurement Act and the Immigration Act.
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