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The Work Environment Act (1977:1160) forms the foundation of all work environment management in Sweden. The Act sets out clear requirements for employers to prevent ill health and accidents at work. This applies in particular to work where there is a risk of falling from height, as fall accidents frequently result in serious injuries.
The employer's responsibility means that the work environment must be planned, organised and monitored so that work can be carried out safely.
Purpose of the Work Environment Act
The Work Environment Act sets out the overarching objective of work environment management.
This means the employer must work preventively. Risks must be identified and addressed before accidents occur.
For work where there is a risk of falling from height, this means the employer must ensure — already at the planning stage — that the work can be carried out safely.
Requirements for a Safe Working Environment
The Work Environment Act sets out requirements for how work must be planned and organised.
This means, among other things, that the employer must:
- Plan work so that risks are prevented.
- Select safe working methods.
- Use appropriate work equipment.
- Implement protective measures where risks cannot be eliminated.
For work carried out at height, this may mean, for example, that the employer needs to use scaffolding, guard rails or other technical solutions that prevent falls.
Employer's Duty to Prevent Accidents
The Work Environment Act places a comprehensive duty on the employer to protect workers against accidents.
This means, among other things, that the employer must:
- Examine the work environment and identify risks.
- Carry out risk assessments.
- Plan and implement protective measures.
- Provide workers with information and instructions.
- Ensure that the correct equipment is used.
Where there is a risk of falling, this often means the employer must plan the work carefully and ensure that the appropriate type of fall protection is used.
Responsibility for Organisation and Work Environment Management
The employer is also responsible for ensuring that work environment management is organised effectively.
This means, among other things, that workers must be provided with:
- Information about the risks present in the work.
- Instructions on how to carry out the work safely.
- Training where required.
Where work is carried out where there is a risk of falling, it is particularly important that workers have knowledge of, for example:
- The risks associated with working at height.
- How to use fall protection equipment.
- How to plan work to avoid falls.
Worker Participation
Work environment management is a shared responsibility between employers and workers.
Under the Work Environment Act, workers are required to participate in work environment management by following instructions and using the protective equipment available to them.
This means, for example, that workers must:
- Use personal protective equipment when required.
- Follow safety procedures.
- Report risks and deficiencies in the work environment.
Sources and References
Work Environment Act (1977:1160)
Chapter 1, Section 1 "The purpose of this Act is to prevent ill health and accidents in the workplace and to otherwise achieve a good working environment."
Chapter 2, Section 2 "Work shall be planned and arranged so that it can be performed in a healthy and safe environment."
Chapter 3, Section 2 "The employer shall take all measures necessary to prevent workers from being exposed to ill health or accidents. [...]"
Chapter 3, Section 3 "The employer shall ensure that workers are well informed about the conditions under which work is carried out, and that workers are made aware of the risks that may be associated with the work. [...]"