Denmark: fewer businesses sued for violating the law on working environment

While, in 2005, the labor inspectorate (Arbejdstilsyn) imposed administrative sanctions to 94 businesses for breaking the working environment act (Arbejdsmiljøloven), it only sanctioned four in 2008. In this area, sentences dropped from 100 in 2005 down to 28 in 2008. According to the LO union, this fall isn’t the sign of an impressive improvement of the working environment, because of the 48,000 annual accidents registered by the labor inspectorate since 2006 (47, 106 in 2005), but the result of an amendment of the law enforced in April 2006. These declarations were confirmed by Vagn Greve, professor in penal law at the Copenhagen Business School (CBS), who told LO’s weekly - Ugebrevet A4: “The Parliament majority wanted to lower the criminalization of the working environment; it seems it’s succeeded.”
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

clarations were confirmed by Vagn Greve, professor in penal law at the Copenhagen Business School (CBS), who told LO’s weekly – Ugebrevet A4: “The Parliament majority wanted to lower the criminalization of the working environment; it seems it’s succeeded.”

Before and after the amendment. Before the law was changed, when the labor inspectorate observed major infringements to the working environment act in a company, it could sanction it directly, regardless of the actual offender. After the law w

Do you have information to share with us?
What you absolutely must read this week
The essential content of the week selected by the editorial team.
See all
France: sectors feel economic slowdown to differing degrees
The latest data on France’s occupational sectors (branches professionnelles), covering the year 2023, show how employment trends are shaping workplace dynamics. After a more favourable period for...
United Kingdom: Parliament finally passes Employment Rights Bill
The UK Labour government's flagship reform of employment rights was passed by both houses on 16 December after a turbulent parliamentary process. The bill introduces numerous changes to labour...
18 December 2025
EU: social partners in telecoms sign joint statement on AI
On 16 December, the social partners in Europe's telecommunications sector unveiled a joint statement on artificial intelligence. They propose an action plan for skills and commit to raising...
18 December 2025
EU: MEPs demand directive on algorithmic management
Members of the European Parliament have called for a directive on algorithmic management. Such legislation would introduce obligations for companies to inform employees, assess health and safety...
17 December 2025
Most viewed articles of the month on mind HR
What readers clicked on the most last month.
What readers clicked on the most last month.
1
Spain: new terms and conditions for in-company training contracts
On 25 November, Spain's Council of Ministers approved a regulation on training contracts. This text defines the terms and conditions for hosting work-study students and interns doing professional...
2
France: sectors feel economic slowdown to differing degrees
The latest data on France’s occupational sectors (branches professionnelles), covering the year 2023, show how employment trends are shaping workplace dynamics. After a more favourable period for...
3
Germany: apprenticeship openings fall sharply in manufacturing and chemicals
From 1 January 2026, Dutch collective agreements for temporary employment agencies will alter the employment conditions of temp workers. Agencies will be required to pay these workers at least the...