When the risk ratio in the company requires it, the employer is obliged to establish an agreement with an occupational health service to the company. The occupational health service must be approved by the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority. C.f. the Working Environment Act § 3-3. The occupational health service shall provide assistance with creating healthy and safe working conditions for the employer, the employees, the working environment committee and the personnel safety delegates. There are several regulation requirements related to the development, organisation and the employees’ use of the occupational health service.

In 2010 a mandatory approval scheme regarding the occupational health service was implemented, and the number of business sectors that, without further assessment, were obliged to establish an occupational health service increased. The occupational health service is an important policy instrument for the businesses and the authorities in the preventive work environment work, and at the same time the businesses obligation to establish an occupational health service is extensive and resource-draining. The Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs realises that there is a requirement for an independent assessment of the accuracy and effect of the occupational health service as a policy instrument. The project shall include an assessment of the occupational health service’s work with, and offer to the businesses, the businesses use of the occupational health service, as well as the follow-up by authorities.

See annex 1 of the contract for further details of the assignment.