Working Environment Act

  1. Chapter 1. Introductory provisions

  2. Chapter 2. Duties of employer and employees

  3. Chapter 2 A. Whistleblowing

  4. Chapter 3. Working environment measures

  5. Chapter 4. Requirements regarding the working environment

  6. Chapter 5. Obligation to record and notify, requirements to manufacturers, etc.

  7. Chapter 6. Safety representatives

  8. Chapter 7. Working environment committees

  9. Chapter 8. Information and consultation

  10. Chapter 9. Control measures in the undertaking

  11. Chapter 10. Working hours

  12. Chapter 11. Employment of children and young persons

    (1) Children who are under 15 years of age or are attending compulsory education shall not work between 8.00 p.m. and 6.00 a.m.
    (2) Young persons between 15 and 18 years of age who are not attending compulsory education shall have an off-duty period of at least 8 hours including the time between 11 p.m. and 6.00 a.m. Work between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. is night work and is not permitted unless necessitated by the nature of the work or unless there is an exceptional and time-limited need for night work.
    (3) The second paragraph shall not apply to work that, owing to natural disasters, accidents or other unforeseen events must be carried out to avert danger or damage to life or property and where is strictly necessary to employ the young persons concerned in the work. Young persons who take part in such work shall have a subsequent compensatory rest period.
    (4) The Ministry may by regulation provide that the off-duty period may be shorter in respect of certain types of work, and lay down further provisions concerning this, including conditions.

  13. Chapter 12. Entitlement to leave of absence

  14. Chapter 13. Protection against discrimination

  15. Chapter 14. Appointment, etc.

    (1) Hiring workers from undertakings other than those whose object is to hire out labour shall be permitted when the hired employee is permanently employed by the lessor. So that an undertaking may be said not to have the object of hiring out labour, hiring out must take place within the main areas of activity of the lessor and not more than 50 per cent of the permanent employees of the lessor must be engaged in the hiring activity. Before a decision is taken in respect of such hiring, the hirer shall consult with the elected representatives who collectively represent a majority of the employees in the category of workers to be hired.
    (2) In the case of hiring more than 10 per cent of the hirer's employees, but not fewer than three persons, or for more than one year, a written agreement shall be concluded with the elected representatives who collectively represent a majority of the employees in the category of workers to be hired. This provision does not apply to the hiring of employees within the same corporate group
    (3) If so requested by elected representatives of the category of work to which the hiring applies, the employer shall provide evidence that the conditions for hiring pursuant to the first paragraph are satisfied.
    (4) The Ministry may by regulation prohibit the hiring of certain groups of employees or employees in certain sectors when so indicated by important social considerations.
    (5) Section 14-12, fourth paragraph applies correspondingly.

  16. Chapter 14 A. Agreements restricting competition in employment relationships

  17. Chapter 15. Termination of employment relationships

  18. Chapter 16. Rights of employees in the event of a transfer of ownership of undertakings

  19. Chapter 17. Disputes concerning working conditions

  20. Chapter 18. Regulatory supervision of the Act

  21. Chapter 19. Penal provisions

    For the purposes of the Penal Code of 20 May 2005 No. 28, any person associated with the Labour Inspection Authority shall be regarded as a public servant.

  22. Chapter 20. Final Provisions