2024.05.14

Responsibility and authority in the work environment

The Swedish Work Environment Authority's brochure

The employer is responsible for the work environment

It is always the employer's responsibility to ensure that employees are able to perform their work tasks without becoming injured or ill. This means, among other things, that they should receive instructions for their work tasks so that they learn the work correctly. They should also know what risks exist in the workplace to avoid injuries and accidents.

Sometimes more than just the employer may be responsible

The employer always has the main responsibility for the work environment, but there are also others who may have responsibility. This applies, for example, to those who:

• Delivers a machine or chemical products to a workplace.
• Installs a machine at a workplace or.
• Rent out a space where staff will work.

Even though the responsibility is shared, the employer's responsibility does not decrease. This means, for example, that the employer is the one who must ensure that equipment is maintained and handled safely or that chemical products are used safely.

Many people work in workplaces where their own employer has difficulty influencing working conditions. This applies to cleaners, delivery drivers or hired office staff, for example. Anyone who hires outside staff at a workplace is responsible for ensuring that the work environment and all equipment do not pose any risks to those working there. This responsibility applies to both the person responsible's own employees and those who only work there temporarily.