New measures from July 1, 2025 strengthen the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority's fight against workplace crime
Important legislative changes will come into force on 1 July 2025, giving the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority expanded powers in its work to uncover and combat crime in the workplace. These measures will enable the authority to respond more quickly and effectively to serious violations of the regulations.
Strengthened efforts against workplace crime
The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority is now receiving new tools that will make it easier to deal with criminal actors in the labour market. With these tools, the authority can, among other things, secure evidence, obtain information from actors other than the one under supervision, and issue fines directly on the spot in the event of violations.
The Director of the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority, Ingvill Kvernmo, emphasizes that although the current tools are sufficient in many routine inspections, they sometimes encounter challenges with actors who deliberately break the rules. This can include cases where businesses ignore orders or provide incorrect information. Such violations affect both employees and serious companies that follow the rules.
New powers for the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority
The new amendments to Chapter 18 of the Working Environment Act involve several specific improvements:
- Obtaining information from third parties: The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority can now, in certain situations, request information from suppliers, customers or others outside the business under its control.
- Compulsory seizure of evidence: By court order, the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority can seize documents and other evidence during inspections.
- Extended right of access: Inspectors can also gain access to workplaces by breaking locks or calling a locksmith, if necessary to carry out inspections.
- Police assistance: The police shall support the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority when necessary, including the use of force.
- Fees to individuals: The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority can impose violation fees not only to the business, but also to individuals who manage or own the business.
- On-site fines: If clear violations are found, a fine may be imposed immediately during the inspection.
- Extended statute of limitations: The time for imposing fees is extended from 2 to 5 years.
- Reactions in the event of denied access: If the inspectorate is denied access, a fine and other reactions may be imposed.
These measures apply not only to the Working Environment Act, but also to the General Provisions Act, the Immigration Act and the Procurement Act.
Adapted to a challenging working life
Workplace crime is becoming increasingly sophisticated, with new methods of circumventing regulations. To address this, the instruments must also be further developed so that both employees and serious companies receive better protection.
Director Kvernmo says that the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority is now focusing on implementing the changes through training of employees and developing good routines. The goal is to strengthen the authority's ability to uncover and stop illegal practices in the workplace more effectively.