Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) - Sweden (Ratification: 1982)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2024, published 113rd ILC session (2025)

In order to provide a comprehensive view of the issues relating to the application of the ratified Conventions on occupational safety and health (OSH), the Committee considers it appropriate to examine Conventions Nos 13 (white lead (painting)), 115 (radiation), 119 (guarding of machinery), 139 (occupational cancer), 148 (air pollution, noise and vibration), 155 (OSH), 161 (occupational health services), 162 (asbestos), 167 (safety and health in construction), 170 (chemicals), 174 (prevention of major industrial accidents), 176 (safety and health in mines), 184 (safety and health in agriculture) and 187 (promotional framework for OSH) together.

The Committee notes the observations on Convention No. 155 and No. 187 of the Swedish Confederation for Professional Employees (TCO), Swedish Confederation of Professional Associations (SACO) and Swedish Trade Union Confederation (LO) transmitted by the Government.

General provisions

The Committee notes the information in the Government’s report provided in response to its previous request concerning Article 3(2)of Convention No. 187 (promotion and advancement to a safe and healthy environment), Article 4(3)(e) (on research on OSH), Article 4(3)(f) (mechanism for the collection and analysis of data) and 4(3)(g) (provisions for collaboration with relevant insurance or social security schemes).

Application in practice of Conventions No. 155 and 187. In response to the Committee's previous request, the Committee notes the information provided in the Swedish Work Environment Authority’s (SWEA) Report on Occupational accidents and work-related diseases (Arbetsmiljöstatistik Rapport 2023:01), noting that the number of notified occupational diseases reported in 2022 was approximately 16,600, a decrease of 44 per cent compared to 2021, and that occupational accidents with sick leave also decreased from 2021 to 2022 (from approximately 39,000 to 35,400). It notes that approximately 69,000 occupational accidents without sick leave were reported in 2022, a marginal decrease compared to 2021, but still an increase compared to 2020 and 2019. It also notes that 40 fatal accidents at work were reported in 2022, compared with 39 in 2021, 24 in 2020 and 36 in 2019. The Committee notes that the most common causes of reported occupational diseases in 2021 were chemical and biological factors (including COVID-19 infections), followed by organisational and social factors and ergonomic load factors. The Government also indicates that, compared to other EU countries, Sweden has proportionally one of the lowest numbers of fatal accidents since 2012. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the application in practice of the ratified OSH Conventions, including the number, sector, nature and cause of occupational accidents and diseases reported, as well as information on the inspection activities carried out, including the number of investigations and inspections conducted and the number of violations detected, corrective measures applied and the penalties imposed.

National policy

Article 4(1) of Convention No. 155 and Articles 2(1), 3(1), 3(2) and 5(1) of Convention No. 187. Promoting the continuous improvement of OSH by developing a national policy, national system and national programme. Following its previous request, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government that the Work Environment Strategy for Modern Working Life 2016-20 was designed to serve as a policy instrument, defining strategies and assignments to achieve specific and broader goals related to the work environment policy. The Government indicates that the Strategy was evaluated by the Agency for Public Management (APM). The Committee notes that, amongst the conclusions, the APM stated that the strategy had strengthened the implementation of the work environment policy; the social partners had been involved through dialogue forums; and that cooperation between authorities had increased. The Committee also notes that the APM concluded that there was room for improvements and that strategic efforts could be run more effectively. Amongst other things, the APM considered that the Government should: define more concrete goals for the priority areas, establishing timeframes and follow-ups for the chosen strategy; review and develop the working methods in dialogue forums; remove obstacles to effective cooperation between authorities; and improve the coordination of work environment issues between different policy areas. In addition, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government with regard to the Work Environment Strategy for 2021-25, adopted with the goal of providing good working conditions and creating work environments that prevent illness and accidents, stops people being excluded from working life, takes people’s differing circumstances into account and fosters the development of individuals and operations. The Government indicates that the conclusions of the APM were taken into account in producing the new strategy and as a result, it contains more clearly delimited areas and concrete priority areas. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on the implementation of the Work Environment Strategy for 2021-25 as well asmeasures adopted to ensure the promotion and advancement, at all relevant levels, of the right of workers to a safe and healthy working environment.

Article 4(1) of Convention No. 155 and Articles 3(3) and 4(3)(a) of Convention No. 187. Consultation on national policy. National tripartite advisory body, or bodies, addressing OSH issues. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government that the SWEA consults with social partners through different forms, such as the SWEA’s central consultation group, with is composed by ten workers’ and employers’ organisations and reunites at least four times per year. The Government also indicates that stakeholder meetings are conducted with authorities, industry organisations and actors within occupational health care. It states that partnerships are established with universities and research groups in the area of occupational safety and health, in order to discuss the possibilities for cooperation and information exchange. In addition, the Government indicates that reference groups linked to specific projects (such as on the organizational and social work environment of members of the LGBTQ community) are formed with relevant authorities and organisations, holding meetings twice a year. Lastly, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that, although social partners have been consulted in dialogue forums, the APM assessed that an improvement of the consultation can be achieve through more action-oriented meetings. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the progress made to integrate the conclusions of APM into consultations held with regional social partners with a view to promoting the development of a national preventative OSH culture.

Article 5(e) of Convention No. 155. Protection of workers and their representatives from disciplinary measures. Given the absence of information in this regard, the Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on how individual workers without OSH responsibilities are protected from disciplinary measures when they take actions properly and in conformity with national policy.

National s ystem

Article 4(3)(d) of Convention No. 187. Occupational health services. In relation to its previous request on occupational health services, the Committee refers to its comment below on the Occupational Health Services Convention, 1985 (No. 161).

Article 4(3)(h) of Convention No. 187. Support mechanism for progressive improvement of OSH conditions in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the informal economy. Further to its previous comment, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government concerning its focus on combating workplace violations through joint authority controls and collaboration with other agencies and labour market partners, and that specific initiatives include establishing regional centres against workplace crime and participating in international cooperation efforts. It informs that small enterprises are the target group for the SWEA efforts within the Vision Zero strategy to end with work-related deaths. The Committee further notes the observations from LO, SACO and TCO, which highlights that the knowledge of preventative work, so that deficiencies in the work environment do not arise, is low especially among small and medium-sized employers. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on measures taken or envisaged to progressively improve OSH conditions in small and medium-sized enterprises and the informal economy, including with a view to ensuring that employers in SMEs are informed of necessary prevention measures.

Occupational Health Services Convention, 1985 (No. 161)

Application of Convention No. 161 in practice. The Committee notes that, according to the observations from LO, SACO and TCO, there are shortages of occupational health care with many employers. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication, in response to its previous request, that the Agency for Work Environment Expertise, the national knowledge centre for issues related to the work environment, is responsible for following and promoting the development of occupational health services. It also notes that ongoing initiatives in the field of occupational health services include the coordination of the supply of doctors for occupational health care and measures to promote relevant training initiatives in the area; and the development of further guidelines for an evidence-based practice in occupational health care. Further, the Committee notes the Government’s information that an occupational health care cooperation group was established by the SWEA, with representatives from professional associations for physicians, nurses, ergonomists, work environment engineers and psychologists in occupational health care, as well as from the industry organization Sweden's Occupational Health. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the implementation of the Convention in practice to develop progressively occupational health services for all workers.

Protection against specific risks

White Lead (Painting) Convention, 1921 (No. 13)

Legislation. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government that, according to section 3 of the Work Environment Authority’s Regulation on Chemical Hazards in the Working Environment (AFS 2011:19), the Convention is given effect by Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), which regulates undertakings that manufacture, import or use chemical substances or preparations and restricts the addition of certain specific lead compounds to paints intended for use by the general public. The Committee notes this information, which responds to its previous request.

Radiation Protection Convention, 1960 (No. 115)

Articles 3(1) and 6 of the Convention. All appropriate steps to ensure the effective protection of workers, in the light of available knowledge and maximum permissible doses of ionising radiation. Further to its previous comment, the Committee notes the entry into force of the Radiation Protection Act (2018:396), which regulates workers’ exposure to ionising radiation in its chapter 4, and the Radiation Protection Ordinance (2018:506), which sets dose limits for practices involving ionising radiation (chapter 2). The Committee also notes the information provided by the Government that the SWEA’s provisions on occupational exposure limit values (AFS 2018:1) set limit values for the exposition of workers to radon in the workplace, also establishing measures for the protection of workers (chapter 4). In addition, the Committee notes that the Radiation Protection Ordinance provides for the need to periodically evaluate the reference levels set out in the regulations (chapter 3, section 13) and that other provisions concerning the protection of workers are established by the Radiation Safety Authority’s Regulations on permit-required activities with ionising radiation (SSMFS 2018:1) and on notifiable activities (SSMFS 2018:2). The Committee notes this information, which responds to its previous request.

Article 14. Discontinuation of assignment to work involving exposure to ionising radiation pursuant to medical advice and alternative employment. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government that the Regulations on Job Modification (AFS 2020:5) provide, in section 4, that the employer shall at all times consider whether any of the employees require job modification, which is carried out in the form of dialogue between the parties. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the application in practice of the provisions of the Regulations on Job Modification (AFS 2020:5) to workers for whom it is medically inadvisable to continue work involving occupational exposure to ionising radiation.

Guarding of Machinery Convention, 1963 (No. 119)

Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government that in 2020 and 2021 the most common cause of occupational accidents with absenteeism for men was accidents caused by loss of control over machinery, tools or transport equipment. The Government also indicates that a supervision project carried out from 2018-2022 had a focus (among others) on handheld machines (2018-2019) and machine safety (2020-2022), and included approximately 4,900 workplace visits. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the application of the Convention in practice, including the number of occupational accidents related to machinery and the measures taken to address them.

Occupational Cancer Convention, 1974 (No. 139)

Article 5 of the Convention. Medical examinations during the period of employment and thereafter. Further to its previous comment, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government that the Regulations on Medical Checks in Working Life (AFS 2019:3) contain provisions on medical examinations for workers exposed to chemicals, including health surveillance needed when a worker has been exposed to carcinogens or mutagens. According to section 81 of the Regulations, workers who have been exposed to carcinogens or mutagenic substances may be subject to health examinations by a physician or the body responsible for the health examination such workers as long as deemed necessary, even after the exposure has ceased. The Committee notes this information, which responds to its previous request.

Working Environment (Air Pollution, Noise and Vibration) Convention, 1977 (No. 148)

Article 11(3) and (4) of the Convention. Efforts to provide the worker with suitable alternative employment or to maintain his income. Rights under social security or social insurance. The Committee notes that the Regulations on Job Modification (AFS 2020:5) have repealed the Regulation on Job Adaptation and Rehabilitation (AFS 1994:1), and that its section 4 stipulates that the employer shall at all times consider whether any of the employees require a job modification, with the aim of enabling an employee with impaired ability to perform normal work to continue working or to return to work, in order to help the employee return to work after sick leave or to avoid illness and sick leave. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to ensure that the rights of transferred workers under social security and social insurance legislation are not adversely affected, in accordance with Article 11(4) of the Convention.

Asbestos Convention, 1986 (No. 162)

Article 21(1) of the Convention. Medical examinations to diagnose occupational diseases caused by exposure to asbestos. The Committee notes that section 39 of the Swedish Work Environment Authority’s Regulations on Medical Checks in Working Life (AFS 2019:3) provides that employers shall arrange medical check-ups with assessment for certificates of fitness for service for those employees who will be exposed to asbestos and for those exposed to asbestos-containing dust for more than 50 hours per calendar year. However, the Committee notes that there are no provisions to ensure that workers continue to receive appropriate medical examinations after the termination of an assignment involving exposure to asbestos. Taking note of section 81 of the Regulations on Medical Checks in Working Life (AFS 2019:3), the Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the measures taken in practice to supervise the health of workers after the termination of an assignment involving exposure to asbestos, in accordance with Article 21(1) of the Convention.

Chemicals Convention, 1990 (No. 170)

Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on the application of the national legislation giving effect to this Convention in practice, including any statistics on violations reported, penalties imposed and occupational accidents and cases of occupational diseases (including cases of chronic occupational poisoning) reported as being caused by exposure to chemical substances.

Prevention of Major Industrial Accidents Convention, 1993 (No. 174)

Legislation. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government about the adoption of the Ordinance on Measures to Prevent and Limit the Consequences of Serious Chemical Accidents (2015:236), which is the transposition of the EU Directive Seveso III (Directive 2012/18/EU) and contains provisions on the enforcement of the Act on Measures to Prevent and Limit the Consequences of Serious Chemical Accidents (1999:381). The Committee notes this information, which responds to its previous request.

Articles 4(2) and 18 of the Convention. Inspection to ensure compliance with national laws and regulations. Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government on inspections of facilities: out of 202 upper tier facilities (handling hazardous substances above a certain level), 118 were inspected in 2022, representing 58 per cent of the total. This represents a decrease compared to previous years, with inspection rates in these facilities of 68 per cent in 2021 and 65 per cent in 2020. However, out of 192 low-tier facilities (handling hazardous substances lower in amounts lower than the high qualifying quantity), 72 were inspected in 2022, representing 38 per cent of facilities, an increase compared to previous years, with inspection rates of 27 per cent in 2021 and 32 per cent in 2020. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide statistics related to application of the Convention in practice, including the number of inspections undertaken, the contraventions reported and the resulting action taken.

Protection in specific branches of activity

Safety and Health in Construction Convention, 1988 (No. 167)

Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government indicating that 19 per cent of the industries inspected in 2022 belonged to the construction sector, which was also amongst those most frequently subjected to penalty fees resulting from labour inspections. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on measures adopted to ensure the application of this Convention in practice, including the number of occupational accidents and cases of occupational diseases recorded in the construction sector, including the number of fatalities and serious injuries.

Safety and Health in Mines Convention, 1995 (No. 176)

Articles 13(1)(a), (b) and (e) of the Convention. Report of accidents, the right to request and obtain inspections, and the right to removal from any location which poses a serious danger. Following its previous comment, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government regarding the Work Environment Act (AML), which establishes that employees who identify an immediate and serious danger to life or health in their work environment must immediately inform either their employer or a safety representative (chapter 3, section 4). It also notes that employers must notify the SWEA in the event of death or severe personal injury that has occurred in connection with the performance of the work, as stipulated in section 2 of the Work Environment Ordinance (1977:1166). Additionally, the Committee notes that the AML also grants safety representatives the authority to request investigations to assess work conditions (chapter 6, section 6a). However, the Committee reiterates that equivalent rights are not extended to workers. Therefore, the Committee requests the Government once again to provide information on the measures adopted or envisaged to ensure that workers have the right to: (i) report accidents, dangerous occurrences and hazards to the employer and to the competent authority; (ii) request and obtain, where there is cause for concern on safety and health grounds, inspections and investigations to be conducted by the employer and the competent authority; and (iii) remove themselves from any location at the mine when circumstances arise which appear, with reasonable justification, to pose a serious danger to their safety or health.

Safety and Health in Agriculture Convention, 2001 (No. 184)

Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government that agriculture, forestry and fishing are amongst the sectors with the most fatal accidents at work in the period 2012–2021 (with 6.6 fatal accidents at work per 100,000 employed), with a majority of the self-employed who died being active in agriculture and forestry. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures it is taking to strengthen the application of the Convention with a view to preventing accidents and injury to health in the agricultural working environment.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2024, published 113rd ILC session (2025)

In order to provide a comprehensive view of the issues relating to the application of the ratified Conventions on occupational safety and health (OSH), the Committee considers it appropriate to examine Conventions Nos 155 (OSH) and 187 (promotional framework for OSH) together.

The Committee notes the observations on Conventions Nos 155 and 187 of the Swedish Confederation for Professional Employees (TCO), Swedish Confederation of Professional Associations (SACO) and Swedish Trade Union Confederation (LO) transmitted by the Government.

Articles 9(1) of Convention No. 155 and Article 4(2)(c) of the Convention No. 187. Mechanisms for ensuring compliance with national laws and regulations, including inspection systems. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government regarding the increase in the number of inspections from 2020 to 2022. It notes the Government’s information on the implementation of the national supervisory project, Vision Zero (Nollvision), by the Swedish Work Environment Authority (SWEA), initially during the period of 2018–22, aimed at ensuring that employers effectively prevent accidents, incidents, and health hazards through systematic management of the work environment. The SWEA visited around 4,900 workplaces and carried out approximately 7,700 procedures, focusing on specific risks and sectors. It also notes that the SWEA issued remediation notices to 80 per cent of the inspected workplaces, imposed 60 immediate bans in cases of severe threats to workers’ safety, and levied 330 penalty charges. The Committee further notes the Government’s information on the expansion of the Nollvision on the Work Environment Strategy for 2021–25, which aims to shift the focus from preventing workplace fatalities to eliminating work-related deaths entirely. It notes that the Agency for Public Management (APM) evaluated the Work Environment Strategy for Modern Working Life 2016–2020, concluding that the SWEA has recruited and trained around 160 new work environment inspectors, but that the increase in the SWEA budget does not fully compensate for the costs arising from the adopted strategy. It notes that the APM assesses that a strengthening of the supervisory activities is well in line with the intentions of the strategy. In addition, the Committee notes the observations from LO, SACO and the TCO regarding the transformation of work environment inspectors from specialists to generalists, negatively impacting the identification of hazards in specialized areas such as construction or seasonal work. The Committee requests the Government adopt measures to further improve the inspection activities performed by the SWEA, as well as other measures to ensure that OSH laws and regulations are enforced by an adequate and appropriate system of inspection. It requests the Government to provide its comments regarding the observations of LO, SACO and the TCO on the impact of the change of inspectors from specialists to generalists.

The Committee is raising other matters in a request addressed directly to the Government.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2014, published 104th ILC session (2015)

Referring to its observation, the Committee wishes to raise the following additional points.

Legislation. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government regarding the amendments made during the reporting period to the Work Environment Act and the Work Environment Ordinance, which introduced the possibility for orders or prohibitions, carrying the penalty of a fine, to be imposed upon the State. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on legislative measures undertaken with regard to the application of the Convention.

Article 5(e) of the Convention. Protection of workers and their representatives from disciplinary measures. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the Employment Protection Act protects individual workers without occupational safety and health (OSH) responsibilities who take actions. It notes, however, that the referenced legislation does not appear to give workers the specific right provided for in Article 5(e) of the Convention. The Committee therefore once again requests the Government to provide information on how individual workers without OSH responsibilities are protected from disciplinary measures when they take actions properly and in conformity with national policy. The Committee also requests the Government to indicate the specific provisions of the Employment Protection Act which give effect to this Article of the Convention.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2014, published 104th ILC session (2015)

The Committee notes the observations of the Swedish Trade Union Confederation (LO) received on 21 November 2013.

The Committee also notes the joint observations made by the Swedish Confederation of Professional Employees (TCO), the LO and the Swedish Confederation of Professional Associations (SACO), received on 10 November 2014. The Committee requests the Government to provide its comments in this respect.

Article 4(1) of the Convention. National policy. Consultations. The Committee notes the observations from the LO according to which the Government does not fulfil the requirements of this Article with regard to the consultation of the most representative organizations of employers and workers, as the tripartite meetings are not organized on a frequent basis, are mainly informative and are not focused sufficiently on policy matters. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the tripartite consultations held with regard to the national policy, including on their frequency and outcome, in light of the observations of the LO.

Article 9(1). Adequate and appropriate system of labour inspection to secure the enforcement of laws and regulations concerning occupational safety and health (OSH). The Committee notes the observations from the LO according to which the number of workplaces that the Work Environment Authority (WEA) is responsible to inspect increased by 194,133 workplaces during the 2007–12 period, and the number of workers increased from 3,952,507 (2007) to 4,227,711 (2012), while the number of inspectors declined from 359 to 250. The LO observes that due to the fact that the number of workers per inspector has risen to 16,991, whereas the ILO recommends one inspector per 10,000 workers, inspectors are therefore exposed to stress in relation to the number of inspections carried out by the WEA and the Government. In light of the observations by the LO, the Government is requested to provide information on the measures taken in practice to ensure that OSH laws and regulations are enforced by an adequate and appropriate system of inspection.

Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee notes the initiatives taken by the WEA, during the reporting period, for the prevention of stress-related illnesses and musculoskeletal disorders, including online interactive training programmes on stress in the workplace and on ergonomics for the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders and themed pages on these topics, available on the WEA website. Other measures include the revision and entry into force of provisions on ergonomics for the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders, which introduced stipulations on manual handling (EU Directive 90/269/EEC), the drawing up of provisions on unhealthy workloads, and the carrying out by the WEA of numerous activities in 2009–11 focusing on violence and threats in the workplace, in conjunction with inspection initiatives focused on the retail sector. It also notes the observations by the LO according to which all types of occupational accidents have increased in 2012, except commuting accidents, especially for young workers between the ages of 16 and 24 (annual increase of 17 per cent), and that there has also been an increase in the number of cases of occupational diseases. The LO also indicates that reports on psychosocial problems in the workplace have significantly increased in recent years and that there are currently no binding rules for employers in this regard, despite this being one of the biggest work-related issues in Sweden. In light of the observations by the LO, the Government is also requested to provide information on measures taken to address the increase in the number of occupational accidents and diseases, including stress-related illnesses, and on the impact of these measures.

The Committee is raising other matters in a request addressed directly to the Government.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2009, published 99th ILC session (2010)

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report, including numerous amendments to the Work Environment Act and the Work Environment Ordinance during the reporting period. The Committee also notes the response provided by the Government on consultations with representative organisations of employers and workers, as required under Articles 4 and 5 of the Convention.

Article 5, subparagraph (e). Policy regarding the protection of workers from disciplinary measures. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to the protection afforded to safety delegates in the Work Environment Act (SFS 1977:1160), including workers’ entitlement to leave of absence for the performance of their duties, and protection from reprisals; and the requirement under chapter 6, section 7 of the Work Environment Authority’s Provisions on Systematic Work Environment Management (AFS 2001:1) that employers must cooperate with the workers before any decision is taken on changes to the operation. It notes however, that the referenced legislation does not appear to address the issue in Article 5(e). The Committee reiterates its request that the Government provide information on how individual workers, without OSH responsibilities, who take actions properly in conformity with national policy, are protected from disciplinary measures, as required by Article 5(e) of the Convention.

Part V of the report form. Application in practice. The Committee notes the initiatives taken by the Work Environment Authority during the reporting period for the prevention of stress-related illnesses and musculoskeletal disorders, including a tripartite initiative in the call-centre industry resulting in the publication of “A good call-centre work environment, recommendations and guidelines”, and the publication by the Work Environment Authority of a book entitled “How are our muscles affected by stress? The connection between physical strain and mental stress”. The Committee also notes the information provided indicating that a substantial number of appeal cases have been heard during this period concerning solitary work and violence/threats of violence at petrol stations, at all-night service stores and in public transport, and that cash handling has been one of the focal issues. The Committee also notes the increase of work accidents by more than 50 per cent during the last three years in the financial sector, as noted by the Government in its report on the Guarding of Machinery Convention, 1963 (No. 119). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on measures taken or envisaged to respond to the increase in work accidents in the financial sector, and to continue to provide information on the impact of measures taken to curb the rise in the number of occupational and stress-related illnesses including, in particular, musculoskeletal injuries and ill health resulting from stress and psychosocial conditions.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2006, published 96th ILC session (2007)

1. Further to its observation, the Committee requests the Government to provide additional information on the following points.

2. Article 5(e) of the Convention. Policy regarding the protection of workers from disciplinary measures. The Committee notes that the Government indicates that it does not have at its disposal the requested collective agreements. The Committee would therefore be grateful if the Government could provide any other relevant information regarding the application of Article 5(e) in practice, specifically at workplaces with fewer than five employees.

3. Parts I and II of the report form. Statistical information. The Committee notes the information provided regarding a rise in a number of occupational illnesses, especially stress-related illnesses and that the most important field of concern are musculoskeletal injuries and ill-health resulting from stress and psychosocial conditions. The Committee notes that the measures taken to address the problem includes the efforts to increase the efficiency of national measures in this area, inter alia, through the creation of a new single competent authority – the Work Environment Authority. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the impact of all measures taken in order to curb the rise in the number of occupational and stress-related illnesses including, in particular, musculoskeletal injuries and ill-health resulting from stress and psychosocial conditions.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2006, published 96th ILC session (2007)

1. The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report, including the amendments to the Work Environment Act (up to and including SFS 2003:1099) (“WEA”), to the Work Environment Ordinance (up to and including SFS 2003:791), and the new Work Environment Authority (Standing Instructions) Ordinance (SFS 2000:1211) including amendments (up to and including SFS 2002:755), which all give further effect to the Convention. The Committee notes with interest the reconstitution in 2001 of the National Board of Occupational Safety and Health and the Labour Inspectorate into a single national authority – the Work Environment Authority, which gives further effect to Article 15 of the Convention.

2. Articles 4 and 5 of the Convention. Consultations for the formulation, implementation and periodical review of a coherent national policy on occupational safety, occupational health and the working environment. The Committee recalls the observations of the Swedish Trade Union Confederation (LO) that, as a result of a Government resolution, the central parties on both sides had not been represented on the regional supervisory bodies and that complying with the requirements of Articles 4 and 5 of the Convention had become increasingly difficult. The Committee notes that the Government in its reply underscores that, according to the national legislation (section 2, point 10, of the WEA) “in particular the Work Environment Authority shall promote co-operation with the employers and the employees in the work environment context”. Against the background of the observations of LO, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide further information on the application of relevant national legislation in practice, in particular as regards actual consultations held with the most representative organizations of employers and workers for the formulation, implementation and periodical review of a coherent national policy on occupational safety, occupational health and the working environment.

3. The Committee is raising certain other points in a request addressed directly to the Government.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2004, published 93rd ILC session (2005)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Article 5(e) of the Convention. The Committee notes that the Government’s report does not contain a reply to its previous comment. The Committee recalls that the Government had indicated in an earlier report that guarantees corresponding to those established by Chapter 6, section 10, of the Work Environment Act for safety delegates do not exist for all employees, but that this question can be settled through collective agreements. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide samples of relevant collective agreements and information on any further measures envisaged under the national policy in this regard.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2004, published 93rd ILC session (2005)

The Committee  notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation, which read as follows:

Further to its previous comments, which were based on the observations of the Swedish Trade Union Confederation, the Committee notes the reply contained in the Government’s report. The Government states that the labour market parties always participate in the drafting of provisions issued by the National Board of Occupational Safety and Health, and this participation takes place through tripartite working groups and also through a consultation procedure. It adds that the labour market parties are consulted before the Board’s directorate makes decisions.

The Committee recalls the observations of the Swedish Trade Union Confederation that, as a result of a government resolution, the central parties on both sides have not been represented on the regional supervisory bodies (Swedish Employers’ Confederation - SAF - nominees having left the boards of all decision-making government authorities), and tripartite representation within the Work Environment Fund and on the governing bodies of testing and inspection organizations such as WEDAC and the National Testing and Research Institute had ceased for the same reason. The Trade Union Confederation had also indicated that complying with the requirements of Articles 4 and 5 of the Convention had become correspondingly difficult.

The Committee would be grateful if the Government would respond to this comment of the Swedish Trade Union Confederation, taking into account the requirement of Article 4, paragraph 1, of the Convention for consultation with the representative organizations of employers and workers in the formulation, implementation and periodic review of national policy on occupational safety and health.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the very near future.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2000, published 89th ILC session (2001)

Article 5(e) of the Convention.  The Committee notes that the Government’s report does not contain a reply to its previous comment. The Committee recalls that the Government had indicated in an earlier report that guarantees corresponding to those established by Chapter 6, section 10, of the Work Environment Act for safety delegates do not exist for all employees, but that this question can be settled through collective agreements. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide samples of relevant collective agreements and information on any further measures envisaged under the national policy in this regard.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2000, published 89th ILC session (2001)

Further to its previous comments, which were based on the observations of the Swedish Trade Union Confederation, the Committee notes the reply contained in the Government’s report. The Government states that the labour market parties always participate in the drafting of provisions issued by the National Board of Occupational Safety and Health, and this participation takes place through tripartite working groups and also through a consultation procedure. It adds that the labour market parties are consulted before the Board’s directorate makes decisions.

The Committee recalls the observations of the Swedish Trade Union Confederation that, as a result of a government resolution, the central parties on both sides have not been represented on the regional supervisory bodies (Swedish Employers’ Confederation - SAF - nominees having left the boards of all decision-making government authorities), and tripartite representation within the Work Environment Fund and on the governing bodies of testing and inspection organizations such as WEDAC and the National Testing and Research Institute had ceased for the same reason. The Trade Union Confederation had also indicated that complying with the requirements of Articles 4 and 5 of the Convention had become correspondingly difficult.

The Committee would be grateful if the Government would respond to this comment of the Swedish Trade Union Confederation, taking into account the requirement of Article 4, paragraph 1, of the Convention for consultation with the representative organizations of employers and workers in the formulation, implementation and periodic review of national policy on occupational safety and health.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1999, published 88th ILC session (2000)

The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee has noted with interest the detailed information provided by the Government in its latest report, including the reply to its previous request.

Article 5(e) of the Convention. The Committee notes the Government's indication in its report that guarantees corresponding to those established by Chapter 6, section 10, of the Work Environment Act for safety delegates do not exist for all employees, but that this question can be settled through collective agreements. Referring also to its observation under the Convention, the Committee requests the Government to provide samples of relevant collective agreements and information on any further measures envisaged under the national policy in this regard.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1999, published 88th ILC session (2000)

The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

The Committee notes from the Government's report that the following comment was submitted by the Swedish Trade Union Confederation: "The central work environment agreement between the Swedish Employers' Confederation (SAF) and LO/PTK (the Swedish Trade Union Confederation and the Federation of Salaried Employees in Industry and Services) was revoked by SAF during the period to which this report refers. Furthermore, since the autumn of 1992, as a result of a government resolution, the central parties on both sides have not been represented on the Directorate of the National Board of Occupational Safety and Health or the regional supervisory bodies (SAF nominees having left the boards of all decision-making government authorities). Partite representation within the Work Environment Fund and on the governing bodies of testing and inspection organizations such as SWEDAC and the National Testing and Research Institute has ceased for the same reason. Accommodation of Articles 4 and 5 has become correspondingly more difficult." The Committee would appreciate it if the Government would provide information on relevant developments with regard to the application of Articles 4 and 5 of the Convention.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the very near future.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1995, published 82nd ILC session (1995)

The Committee has noted with interest the detailed information provided by the Government in its latest report, including the reply to its previous request.

Article 5(e) of the Convention. The Committee notes the Government's indication in its report that guarantees corresponding to those established by Chapter 6, section 10 of the Work Environment Act for safety delegates do not exist for all employees, but that this question can be settled through collective agreements. Referring also to its observation under the Convention, the Committee requests the Government to provide samples of relevant collective agreements and information on any further measures envisaged under the national policy in this regard.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1995, published 82nd ILC session (1995)

The Committee has noted with interest the detailed information supplied by the Government in its report on the application of the Convention. It also notes from the Government's report that the following comment was submitted by the Swedish Trade Union Confederation:

The central work environment agreement between the Swedish Employers' Confederation (SAF) and LO/PTK (the Swedish Trade Union Confederation and the Federation of Salaried Employees in Industry and Services) was revoked by SAF during the period to which this report refers. Furthermore, since the autumn of 1992, as a result of a government resolution, the central parties on both sides have not been represented on the Directorate of the National Board of Occupational Safety and Health or the regional supervisory bodies (SAF nominees having left the boards of all decision-making government authorities). Partite representation within the Work Environment Fund and on the governing bodies of testing and inspection organizations such as SWEDAC and the National Testing and Research Institute has ceased for the same reason. Accommodation of Articles 4 and 5 has become correspondingly more difficult.

The Committee would appreciate it if the Government would provide information on relevant developments with regard to the application of Articles 4 and 5 of the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1991, published 78th ILC session (1991)

The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in its reports for the periods from July 1985 to June 1987 and from July 1987 to June 1989. It notes with interest the information supplied by the Government concerning the application of the Convention to the maritime sector and the adoption of the Maritime Safety Act (1988:49) and the Maritime Safety Ordinance (1988:594). Furthermore, it notes with interest the information supplied concerning the application of Articles 14 and 19(e) of the Convention. The Government is requested to provide further information on the following points.

Article 1, paragraph 2 and Article 2, paragraph 2 of the Convention. In its previous comment, the Committee requested the Government to indicate whether domestic service is excluded from the application of this Convention. The Government has as yet made no reply to this request. The Government is, therefore, requested to confirm that the Convention is applicable to the domestic service and to indicate the legislation which applies the provisions of the Convention to the domestic service, as the domestic service is excluded from the application of the Work Environment Act of 1977.

Article 5(e). Chapter 6, section 10 of the Work Environment Act protects safety delegates from being given inferior working conditions or terms of appointment and from dismissal merely because he or she is a safety delegate. Section 7 of the Security of Employment Act, covering all workers, only addresses dismissal, which it provides must be based on objective grounds. The Government is requested to indicate the measures taken to ensure that all workers, not just safety delegates, are protected from any disciplinary measures, such as inferior working conditions or terms of appointment, as a result of actions properly taken by them in conformity with the national policy on occupational safety, health and the working environment.

Article 7. The Government indicated in its report for the period ending June 1989 that a special Work Environment Commission has been appointed to propose alterations to work environments causing injuries and ill health. The Government is requested to supply information on any recommendations made by this Commission.

Article 12(c). The Committee notes the responsibilities set forth for persons who produce, import or transfer machines, tools, and materials for use on vessels in Chapter 7, sections 11-13 of the Maritime Safety Act. The Government is requested to indicate the measures taken to ensure that those who design, manufacture, import and transfer machinery, equipment or substances for maritime use undertake studies to keep abreast of the current scientific and technical knowledge, in conformity with Article 12(c) of the Convention.

Article 18. The Government is requested to indicate the measures taken to ensure that employers in the maritime field provide for measures to deal with emergencies and accidents, including adequate first-aid arrangements.

Article 19(f). The Committee notes that Chapter 7, section 9 of the Maritime Safety Act provides that a worker must report to the safety officer any situation which presents an immediate or serious danger to the life or health of any person on board the ship. Chapter 9, section 8 empowers a safety officer to stop work where such a danger exists. It notes, however, that when the ship is not anchored in a Swedish port, the commanding officer may order the work to be done against the safety officer's decision if he is of the opinion that this decision is unfounded or that the work is necessary in order to remove or forestall a greater danger. Prior to making such an order, the commanding officer must consult the safety committee aboard the ship, if there is one. The Government is requested to indicate whether in practice there have been any instances in which the commanding officer has ordered a worker to continue work against the opinion of the safety committee or, in the event there is no safety committee, against the opinion of the safety officer, and whether any workers have been injured as a result.