The Swedish Work Environment Authority

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Reviewed: 26 September 2023

The Swedish Work Environment Authority is the government mandated agency that has the responsibility for ensuring that laws and regulations concerning the working environment and conditions are followed by companies and organisations.

Swedish work environment regulations apply to everyone who is working in Sweden, even if the work is temporary in nature or the employer is registered in another country.

The Swedish Work Environment Authority

Acts and regulations about the work environment

In the Swedish Work Environment Act there are general demands which apply regarding the environment at work. Another important act, the Working Hours Act, describes how much you may work per day and to which extent you have the right to breaks and recesses at work.

Acts and regulations about work environment on The Swedish Work Environment Authority´s website

Responsibility during building and civil engineering work

Safety on construction sites is of paramount importance. The Swedish system for dealing with safety, risks and responsibilities conforms to EU standards however there are som unique requirements in Sweden. Read more about the roles and responsibilities for developers, contractors, and designated building work environment coordinators on the Swedish Word Environment Authority website. 

Responsibility during building and civil engineering work on The Swedish Work Environment Authority´s website

Prior notification of construction site

The developer should, except for smaller jobs, send a prior notification to the Swedish Work Environment Authority before work begins.

Prior notification of construction site on The Swedish Work Environment Authority´s website

Work environment plan for building and civil engineering work

A work environment plan for the whole project should be drawn up before the construction site is established. It is the building work environment coordinator for planning and projection that should make sure this is done.

Work environment plan for building and civil engineering work on The Swedish Work Environment Authority´s website

Building and civil engineering work

Accidents and occupational illnesses are twice as common among construction workers as among other employees. Falls from height, different types of musculoskeletal injuries and accidents when using different types of machines are some of the causes.

Building and civil engineering work on The Swedish Work Environment Authority´s website

Preventing risks at construction sites

Preventive work at construction sites is done via every employer's systematic work environment management and through the joint safety planning in the work environment plan.

Preventing risks at construction sites on The Swedish Work Environment Authority´s website

Work with risks that requires a Work Environment Plan

Here you will find information about work with risks that requires a Work Environment Plan.

Work with risks that requires a Work Environment Plan ( on The Swedish Work Environment Authority´s website)

Scaffolding

On these pages you will find basic information about what scaffolding is, the risks there are with it, and how these risks can be prevented.

Scaffolding on The Swedish Work Environment Authority´s website

About The Swedish Work Environment Authority

All employees in Sweden have the right to a good work environment, according to the Work Environment Act. No one should need to injure oneself or become sick because of their job. Our goal is to reduce the risks of ill health and accidents in working life, and to improve the work environment from a holistic perspective.

About The Swedish Work Environment Authority on The Swedish Work Environment Authority´s website
Boverket (2023). The Swedish Work Environment Authority. https://www.boverket.se/en/start/building-in-sweden/contractor/running-a-business/the-swedish-work-environment-authority/ Fetched 2024-11-04