The Faroe Islands, a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, have a comprehensive set of laws and regulations concerning health and safety. These laws are based on the Home Rule Act (No. 137 of March 23rd, 1948).

Key Regulatory Bodies

The Vinnuvitan (Faroese Working Environment Authority) is the main agency responsible for overseeing, enforcing, and promoting health and safety standards. The Heilsutrygd (Faroese Health Insurance) plays a significant role in regulating and managing the public healthcare system.

Core Areas of Health and Safety Legislation

The Working Environment Act (Arbeiðslovsøkin) is the central legislation governing safety. It mandates employer responsibilities in providing safe conditions, risk assessments, accident prevention measures, training, and employee participation. The Health Act (Heilsuvitanisloysøkin) addresses public health concerns, disease prevention, epidemics, environmental health risks, sanitation, and food safety.

Industry-Specific Regulations

Several sectors within the Faroe Islands have additional health and safety regulations tailored to their unique hazards. These include the Maritime Industry, Fisheries and Aquaculture, and Construction.

Employer Responsibilities

Faroese employers have a legal duty to provide a safe working environment, conduct risk assessments, provide safety training and information, maintain accident records and reporting, and consult with employees.

Employee Rights

Employees in the Faroe Islands have the right to safe working conditions, receive safety training and information, refuse dangerous work, report safety concerns, and participate in health and safety committees.

Enforcement and Penalties

The Faroese Working Environment Authority (Vinnuvitan) is empowered to conduct inspections, issue improvement notices, and impose fines or penalties for breaches of health and safety laws. Serious violations could lead to criminal prosecution.

Occupational health and safety is a priority in the Faroe Islands, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. The practices are derived from a combination of Danish legislation and Faroese-specific regulations.

Key Legislation and Regulatory Bodies

The primary law governing workplace safety in the Faroe Islands is The Working Environment Act (Arbeiðsvirkislógin). It outlines employer responsibilities to provide a safe work environment, employee rights, and the establishment of safety committees. Various Faroese regulations supplement the Working Environment Act, addressing specific hazards like chemicals, noise, and machinery. The Faroese Working Environment Authority (Arbeiðsloysingarstovan) is the government body responsible for enforcing occupational health and safety legislation.

Employer Responsibilities

Employers in the Faroe Islands have key responsibilities such as conducting regular risk assessments to identify and mitigate workplace hazards, developing and implementing safe work procedures for all tasks, providing employees with comprehensive safety training relevant to their job duties, supplying and maintaining appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for employees, establishing a system for reporting and investigating accidents and near-misses, and involving employees in health and safety matters through safety committees or similar mechanisms.

Employee Rights

Employees in the Faroe Islands have the right to work in an environment free from recognized hazards, refuse work they believe poses an imminent danger to their health or safety, receive information about workplace hazards and safety measures, and participate in health and safety matters through safety committees or other channels.

Specific Health and Safety Considerations

Key focus areas in Faroese occupational health and safety include safety in the fishing industry, construction safety, chemical safety, and ergonomics. Due to the significance of the fishing industry, there's a strong emphasis on safety at sea, including vessel stability, safe fishing practices, and emergency procedures. Regulations focus on fall prevention, scaffolding safety, and the use of heavy machinery in construction. Regulations also address the safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous chemicals. Employers are encouraged to address ergonomic hazards to prevent musculoskeletal disorders.

The Faroe Islands are committed to continuous improvement in occupational health and safety. The government, employers, and employees work collaboratively to promote a strong safety culture and reduce workplace injuries and illnesses.

Workplace inspections are a crucial part of maintaining safe and healthy working conditions in the Faroe Islands. They serve as a proactive measure to identify potential safety and health risks before they lead to incidents or injuries. They also ensure that companies are adhering to work environment laws and regulations as detailed in the Faroese Working Environment Act. Furthermore, these inspections promote a culture of safety, sending a strong message that workplace health and safety is a top priority.

The Faroese Working Environment Authority

The Faroese Working Environment Authority (Arbeiðseftirlitið) is the primary agency responsible for overseeing occupational health and safety in the Faroe Islands. They conduct inspections, issue improvement notices, and can take enforcement actions where necessary.

Inspection Criteria

Workplace inspections in the Faroe Islands cover a comprehensive range of criteria. These include physical hazards such as noise, vibration, machinery, electrical safety, slips/trips/falls, and fire hazards. They also look at chemical hazards, including exposure to hazardous substances and safe storage and handling. Biological hazards like viruses, bacteria, and mold are also considered, as well as ergonomic hazards such as repetitive strain, awkward postures, and manual handling risks. Psychosocial hazards like stress, workload, harassment, and bullying are also part of the inspection criteria. Lastly, emergency preparedness, including fire evacuation plans, first aid provisions, and accident reporting, is also evaluated.

Inspection Frequency

The frequency of workplace inspections in the Faroe Islands depends on several factors. High-risk industries such as construction and fishing typically undergo more frequent inspections. Businesses with a history of incidents or non-compliance might be subject to increased inspections. The Working Environment Authority may also initiate inspections based on worker complaints or reports of unsafe conditions.

Workplace Inspection Procedures

The inspection process involves several steps. It starts with planning, where the inspector gathers information about the workplace, its hazards, and relevant regulations. This is followed by an opening meeting where the inspector introduces themselves to the employer and representatives, explains the purpose of the inspection, and outlines the process. The inspector then tours the workplace, observes work processes, identifies potential hazards, and may interview workers. The inspector takes notes, photographs, and may collect samples for further analysis. After the walk-through, a closing meeting is held where the inspector summarizes their findings, discusses any immediate concerns, and provides a timeframe for a written report. Finally, the inspector issues a formal report outlining findings, recommendations, and any required corrective actions.

Follow-up Actions

Employers are legally required to address identified hazards within a set timeframe. The Working Environment Authority may conduct follow-up inspections to verify that corrective actions have been implemented. Failure to comply with regulations can result in fines, improvement notices, or even business closure in severe cases.

Workplace accidents in the Faroe Islands are a serious matter that requires immediate attention from employers. Legally, employers are obligated to report all work-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths to the relevant authorities. This ensures that the incident is properly investigated and that affected workers may receive potential compensation.

Employer Obligations in Reporting Workplace Accidents

Employers should promptly report accidents, with the reporting timeframe varying depending on the incident's severity. The Faroese Working Environment Authority (Arbeiðseftirlitið) and Accident Insurance Companies are usually the authorities that handle workplace accident reports.

The Investigation of Workplace Accidents

Investigations into workplace accidents aim to identify the root causes of accidents and prevent similar incidents in the future. The Faroese Working Environment Authority, employers, safety representatives, and in severe cases, the police, may be involved in the investigation process. The process generally includes securing the scene, gathering information, analyzing the root cause, and recommending corrective actions.

Compensation for Workplace Injuries

Employees injured in workplace accidents in the Faroe Islands may be entitled to compensation. This compensation covers medical expenses, lost wages, and, in the case of permanent disability or death, long-term benefits. The Accident Insurance Act (Føroya Sjúkratryggingarlógin) is the primary law governing compensation for work-related injuries.

Types of Compensation and Claim Process

Compensation types include coverage of medical expenses, compensation for lost wages, long-term benefits in the case of permanent disability, and compensation for dependents in case of fatal accidents. Injured workers or their families typically initiate compensation claims through their employer or the relevant accident insurance company.

Important Considerations

Employees have the right to refuse to work in unsafe conditions and participate in workplace safety processes. On the other hand, employers have a duty to provide a safe working environment, prevent accidents, and facilitate reporting and compensation procedures.