Workplace Safety in Iceland
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Icelandic Acts of the Althingi, statutory instruments, and official guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Icelandic law places the primary duty for workplace safety on the employer:
- Right to refuse unsafe work: Employees may refuse work that poses immediate and serious danger to life or health (Article 24).
- Employer obligations: Employers must conduct risk assessments, implement preventive measures, provide safety equipment, and inform employees about hazards.
- Safety representatives: Workplaces with 10+ employees must have elected safety representatives (öryggistrúar) who monitor health and safety conditions (Article 15).
- Safety committees: Workplaces with 50+ employees must establish a safety committee with 2 employer-appointed and 2 worker-elected representatives (Article 12).
- Administrative fines: Since January 2025, AOSH can impose administrative fines on employers for repeated violations.
When does it apply?
- You are an employee working in any sector covered by Act No. 46/1980.
- The Act covers nearly all workplaces — including offices, factories, construction sites, and farms.
What to Do If You Face an Unsafe Working Environment in Iceland
- If you identify a hazard, report it to your safety representative or employer.
- If your employer does not address the hazard, report it to the Administration of Occupational Safety and Health (AOSH / Vinnueftirlitið).
- AOSH conducts inspections and can order improvements or halt operations.
- You cannot be penalised for reporting safety concerns or refusing unsafe work.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't ignore safety hazards — report them promptly for your own protection and your coworkers'.
- Don't perform work you believe is immediately dangerous — your right to refuse is protected by law.
- Don't bypass safety equipment or procedures — even if it slows down work.
Common Questions
Can I refuse unsafe work in Iceland?
Yes. Under Article 24 of Act No. 46/1980, employees may refuse work that poses immediate and serious danger to life or health. You cannot be penalised for refusing unsafe work or for reporting safety concerns. Employers are required to conduct risk assessments, implement preventive measures, provide safety equipment, and inform employees about hazards.
Do Icelandic workplaces need safety representatives?
Yes. Workplaces with 10 or more employees must have elected safety representatives (öryggistrúar) under Article 15 of Act No. 46/1980. Workplaces with 50 or more employees must also establish a safety committee with 2 employer-appointed and 2 worker-elected representatives under Article 12. These reps monitor health and safety conditions on the ground.
How do I report a workplace hazard to AOSH in Iceland?
First report the hazard to your safety representative or employer. If your employer does not address it, report to the Administration of Occupational Safety and Health (Vinnueftirlitið). AOSH conducts inspections and can order improvements or halt operations. Since January 2025, AOSH can also impose administrative fines on employers for repeated violations.
When does it apply — workplace safety?
You are an employee working in any sector covered by Act No. 46/1980.The Act covers nearly all workplaces — including offices, factories, construction sites, and farms.
What should I do if my workplace has a serious safety hazard that my employer refuses to fix in Iceland?
If you identify a hazard, report it to your safety representative or employer.If your employer does not address the hazard, report it to the Administration of Occupational Safety and Health (AOSH / Vinnueftirlitið).AOSH conducts inspections and can order improvements or halt operations.You cannot be penalised for reporting safety concerns or refusing unsafe work.
What should you NOT do — workplace safety?
Don't ignore safety hazards — report them promptly for your own protection and your coworkers'.Don't perform work you believe is immediately dangerous — your right to refuse is protected by law.Don't bypass safety equipment or procedures — even if it slows down work.