Explanation
The Labour Authority checks companies for compliance with labour legislation, such as the Arbowet, the rules on working hours, minimum wage and employment of foreign workers. Inspectors arrive unannounced or after a report, including on construction sites and in industry. The focus is often on high-risk work.
In case of a violation the inspectorate can issue a warning, impose a fine or stop the work. Serious occupational accidents have to be reported and are often investigated. The exact criteria and consequences are set out in the law and on the Labour Authority's website, so look those up for the current rules.
An inspector wants to see that you know and control the risks: an up-to-date risk assessment with action plan, instructions, inspections, an accident register and evidence that agreements are followed in practice. Having this in order and easy to find puts you in a stronger position during a visit.
Example from practice
After a serious accident on a construction site the inspectorate visits. The contractor can quickly show the risk assessment, the TRA, the toolbox records and the accident report. These show how the work was prepared.
© 2026 BrydgeOne. General information, not legal or other professional advice. No rights can be derived from this explanation.