Workplace Safety in Denmark
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Danish Acts of Parliament (love), executive orders (bekendtgørelser), and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
The Working Environment Act places the primary duty on employers to ensure a safe and healthy workplace:
- Risk assessments (APV — arbejdspladsvurdering): Every employer must conduct and document a workplace assessment covering physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, and psychosocial risks.
- Safety organisation: Workplaces with 10 or more employees must establish a health and safety organisation with elected employee safety representatives.
- Training: Employers must provide adequate safety training before employees start hazardous tasks.
- Right to refuse dangerous work: You may refuse work that poses an immediate and serious danger to life or health.
- Enforcement: The Danish Working Environment Authority (Arbejdstilsynet) conducts inspections and can issue orders, fines, or shut down operations.
When does it apply?
- You are an employee in any workplace in Denmark — the Act applies to all sectors.
- Special regulations apply to construction, offshore, aviation, and shipping.
- The psychosocial work environment (stress, bullying, harassment) is covered alongside physical hazards.
What to Do If Your Workplace Has Unsafe Conditions in Denmark
- Report hazards to your safety representative or the health and safety organisation at your workplace.
- If the issue is not resolved, contact the Arbejdstilsynet (Working Environment Authority) — you can file a complaint online or by phone.
- You have the right to refuse dangerous work if it poses an immediate serious risk — inform your supervisor immediately.
- Report workplace accidents to your employer, who must notify the Arbejdstilsynet within 9 days for serious injuries.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't ignore hazards — you have a legal duty to cooperate with your employer on safety.
- Don't fear retaliation — dismissing an employee for reporting safety concerns is considered unfair under Danish law.
- Don't skip the APV if you are an employer — failure to maintain a current workplace assessment can result in fines.
Common Questions
What workplace safety duties do Danish employers have?
Under the Arbejdsmiljøloven, employers must ensure a safe and healthy workplace. They must conduct and document a workplace assessment (APV) covering physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, and psychosocial risks, provide training before hazardous tasks, and — in workplaces with 10 or more employees — establish a health and safety organisation with elected employee representatives.
Can I refuse dangerous work in Denmark?
Yes. You may refuse work that poses an immediate and serious danger to life or health. Inform your supervisor immediately. Dismissing an employee for reporting safety concerns is considered unfair under Danish law, so you do not have to fear retaliation. Psychosocial risks such as stress, bullying, and harassment are covered alongside physical hazards.
How do I report unsafe conditions at work in Denmark?
Report hazards first to your safety representative or your workplace health and safety organisation. If the issue is not resolved, contact the Arbejdstilsynet (Danish Working Environment Authority) — you can file a complaint online or by phone. The Arbejdstilsynet can inspect, issue orders or fines, or shut down operations. Serious injuries must be notified within 9 days.
When does it apply — workplace safety?
You are an employee in any workplace in Denmark — the Act applies to all sectors.Special regulations apply to construction, offshore, aviation, and shipping.The psychosocial work environment (stress, bullying, harassment) is covered alongside physical hazards.
What should I do if my employer is ignoring safety hazards at work in Denmark?
Report hazards to your safety representative or the health and safety organisation at your workplace.If the issue is not resolved, contact the Arbejdstilsynet (Working Environment Authority) — you can file a complaint online or by phone.You have the right to refuse dangerous work if it poses an immediate serious risk — inform your supervisor immediately.Report workplace accidents to your employer, who must notify the Arbejdstilsynet within 9 days for serious injuries.
What should you NOT do — workplace safety?
Don't ignore hazards — you have a legal duty to cooperate with your employer on safety.Don't fear retaliation — dismissing an employee for reporting safety concerns is considered unfair under Danish law.Don't skip the APV if you are an employer — failure to maintain a current workplace assessment can result in fines.