What are the Regulations on the Performance of Work? | A Simple Explanation

The Regulations on the Performance of Work are a key HSE regulation that describes the requirements that employers and employees must follow in order for work to be performed safely and in accordance with the Working Environment Act. The regulations are based on Section 1-4 of the Working Environment Act and are established by the Ministry of Labour and Social Inclusion.

The regulations are comprehensive and cover many types of work and work equipment. They contain detailed requirements for how work should be planned, organized and carried out to prevent accidents and health hazards.

What does the Regulations on the Performance of Work regulate?

The regulations consist of a number of chapters that regulate different types of work and risks. Some of the most relevant areas are:

• Requirements for risk assessment and work planning
• Working at height and fall protection
• Use of work equipment such as scaffolding, lifts, machines and tools
• Manual handling and ergonomics
• Chemicals and biological factors
• Hot work and fire risk
• Noise, vibrations and physical strain
• Training requirements for several types of work equipment

The regulations not only state what must be done – they also describe how the employer must document training, implement measures and ensure that employees have the necessary competence.

Why is the regulation so important?

Regulations on the performance of work are one of the most important tools for reducing accidents and work-related injuries. Most serious accidents at work occur when work is not planned well enough, when equipment is used incorrectly, or when employees lack the necessary training.

The regulations therefore provide clear requirements for:

• Safe work execution
• Documented training
• Prevention of accidents and injuries
• Correct use of equipment

How are the regulations structured?

The regulations consist of over 20 chapters. Some of the most commonly used in the construction and industrial sectors are:

• Chapter 2: Risk assessment
• Chapter 10: Use of work equipment (including training requirements for lifts, tools, etc.)
• Chapter 12: Machines
• Chapter 17: Scaffolding – requirements for training, use, inspection and assembly
• Chapter 23: Working with chemicals
• Chapter 26: Biological factors

Each chapter contains detailed requirements that the employer must follow.

What requirements do the regulations set for training?

Several parts of the regulations require documented training. This applies to, among other things:

• Scaffolding (Chapter 17)
• Person lift / lift (chapter 10)
• Dangerous hand tools (Chapter 10)
• Fall protection when working at height (chapter 2 and chapter 10 combined)

This means that employees should not only receive verbal instructions – the employer must document that they have received training that is in line with the requirements of the regulations.

Who is responsible for following the regulations?

The ultimate responsibility lies with the employer. The employer must ensure that:

• the work is risk assessed
• instructions are given and understood
• the workers have the right training
• protective equipment and protective measures are used correctly
• machinery and work equipment are safe

Employees have a duty to follow instructions and use the equipment required for the job.

Summary

• Regulations on the performance of work regulate how work must be performed safely and in accordance with the Working Environment Act.
• It contains requirements for training, risk assessment, working at height and the use of work equipment.
• The regulation covers many types of work operations and is one of the most central HSE regulations in Norway.
• The employer has the primary responsibility for following the regulations and documenting training.