Do you know what additional requirements apply when recruiting young workers in Norway? 👷‍♂️

Employers are subject to stricter safety and work organisation requirements when employing workers under the age of 18 than when working with adults. This is particularly true for jobs involving tools, equipment or increased safety risks.

The Norwegian Labour Inspectorate points out that young workers are considered a particularly vulnerable group and that the employer's responsibility is therefore greater.

What do employers need to assess in practice? 🤔

1️⃣ Dangerous jobs for under-18s are generally prohibited - young workers cannot be assigned to jobs that could seriously endanger their health or safety, such as working with dangerous machinery, tools, chemicals, or with a high risk of falling or injury. Exceptions can only be made in cases of vocational training and with additional protective equipment.

2️⃣ The risk assessment must be tailored to the young worker - you can't rely on a generic risk assessment. The employer must assess whether the young worker has sufficient experience, understanding and training to do the job safely, and whether the working conditions are not detrimental to their development.

3️⃣ Working time and rest are more strictly regulated - people under 18 are not allowed to work overtime, and working time must be organised in a way that does not interfere with rest and, where relevant, education. This is a common cause of irregularities during inspections.

4️⃣ Clear training and ongoing supervision are mandatory - under-age workers must receive clear instruction tailored to their age and experience, and employers must provide real supervision during work - not just formal „training“.

If your company employs young workers and you have questions about whether safety and work organisation requirements have been properly implemented, Nord HMS can help you assess the risks and prepare for inspections.