The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority has received 8,582 reports of misconduct so far this year!
According to the Labour Inspection Authority’s Progress Report, there has been a significant increase in the number of cases reported.
From January 1 to August 31, 2024, the Authority has conducted nearly 8,200 inspections.
In 72 percent of these inspections, one or more violations were found, and in 67 percent of the cases, at least one enforcement action was taken.
When the Labour Inspection Authority uncovers violations during inspections, they can impose various enforcement actions to prompt necessary changes in the organization. The type of action depends on the severity of the breach.
The overview shows that the Authority has received 800 more reports in 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
So far in 2024, 13 percent of all reports received have been assessed as warranting follow-up through inspections or guidance. A total of 913 inspections have been conducted in response to these reports, representing 11 percent of all inspections this year. Some of these cases were originally reported in 2023, but the inspections took place in 2024.
In 83 percent of the inspections triggered by such reports, one or more violations were found. In 77 percent of these cases, at least one enforcement action was taken.
Administrative Fines:
The Labour Inspection Authority can impose administrative fines on an enterprise if someone acting on its behalf violates regulations, even if no individual is found personally responsible. The fine is paid to the state treasury and may amount to up to 50 times the National Insurance basic amount or 4 percent of annual turnover—whichever is greater.
When assessing such fines, key considerations include:
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The seriousness of the violation
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Whether it is a repeated offense
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Whether it could have been prevented
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Whether the violation gave the enterprise a competitive advantage
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Financial capacity and the deterrent effect
Perhaps it’s time to ask the following questions about your own organization:
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What is our workplace culture like when we experience or witness misconduct?
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How does this affect well-being and the working environment—and ultimately performance?
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Why are we experiencing high levels of sick leave?
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Why are employees leaving for competitors?
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What does it cost to recruit new employees?
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How does our reputation impact relationships with customers and potential clients?
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Could negative media attention worsen the situation?
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Is it time to implement robust routines?
Digitaliq AS, developer of the solution MittVarsel, offers free downloadable templates for whistleblowing procedures and employee handbooks:
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Whistleblowing Procedures – Template:
https://digitaliq.no/mittvarsel/malvarslingsrutiner -
Employee Handbook – Template:
https://digitaliq.no/personalhandbok
MittVarsel – A digital portal for reporting misconduct
You can also book a demo of MittVarsel to see how a whistleblowing portal can help prevent, inform, facilitate, and handle cases of misconduct:
https://digitaliq.no/mittvarsel/bookendemo
Want more details from the Labour Inspection Authority’s report?
You can read the full reports here: arbeidstilsynet.no
