The Norwegian labor inspectorate allowed Hyttegiant to waive a fine of NOK 800,000 after life-threatening conditions at the workplace. The Minister of Labor is now opening the door for legislative changes.
Earlier in the summer, Aftonbosden revealed how one of Norway’s biggest cabin builders had collected a one million kroner fine from the Norwegian labor inspectorate.
After the fine, the crimes continued. The company was shut down 15 more times due to “imminent danger to life and health” at construction sites.
The Norwegian Labor Inspection Authority established that the FH entrepreneur could have been fined a further NOK 800,000. However, they decided to put an end to crime. This way, the cabin giant doesn’t have to pay a single kroner.
Labor Minister Marte Mjøs Persen (Ap) was shocked by what he read.
– In these types of cases, there should be a more severe response, Persen said.
Now the Labor Minister is warning that if the Norwegian Labor Inspection Authority does not tighten up the use of infringement fees, it may be appropriate to consider changes to the law:
- At present the supervisory authority’s freedom to choose whether to impose fines may be revoked.
- Today’s maximum fine of Rs 1.6 million may be increased.
Read on
Law Professor: – Here the Norwegian Labor Inspection Authority turns it completely upside down
opens up
This move by the Labor Minister follows Aftenposten’s revelation that it was taken in Storting earlier in the summer.
Mímir Kristjánsson (R) responded to the revelation and the Norwegian labor inspectorate’s response that they would not investigate their own practice.
In a written question, the Rad Politician demanded an answer as to how the Labor Minister would follow up.
wallet Black He believes it is now normal to look at the Norwegian Labor Inspection Authority’s sanctioning body, including infringement charges.
– This is happening in light of the latest developments in the case, says Persen du Optenposten.
He pointed out that the ministry had already notified the Norwegian Labor Inspection Authority in January to increase the use and amount of infringement fees.
In 2019, i.e. the exposure of Aftenposten regarding crimes committed two years before this signal was issued.
Read on
The Norwegian Labor Inspection Authority is sounding the alarm after several fatal accidents this summer: – It makes me sick to my stomach
A fee hike was considered
Aftenposten noted this week that there were 47 serious accidents at Norwegian construction sites this summer. Eight people died. The Norwegian Labor Inspection Authority fears even more deaths.
Today, the authority cannot pay any business more than 15 G, which corresponds to NOK 1.6 million.
– There has been a development in society since the ceiling was set. Therefore, I do not rule out that it is appropriate to start work on increasing the legal ceiling for infringement fees, Persen says.
– But before I decide on the next job, I want to see how the practice of the Norwegian Labor Inspection Authority develops in the light of the management signals given. Until then, I’m keeping it open as to how to pursue it.
Abolition of discretion is being considered
Under current law, the Norwegian Labor Inspection Authority can decide for itself whether offenders should be punished.
Aftenposten has access to the authority’s own guidelines on the use of infringement fees. Here they write:
“If the conditions are met, the labor inspector has no obligation to impose a violation fee, only an option”.
They had this freedom of choice to fine a large cottage company NOK 800,000. Despite establishing grounds for imposition of penalty in three advance warnings.
– Before I decide whether to start work to look more closely at the law, I want to see if the practice evolves in the light of the signals we have given, says Persen.
– Does that mean that you would assess whether the Norwegian Labor Inspection Authority should be free to exercise discretion as it is today if it does not develop a procedure in accordance with administrative signals?
– Exactly, that’s what I mean. “I don’t want to prejudge what the outcome will be until I see the growth,” says Persen.
At the same time, he emphasizes:
– Through our conversation with the Norwegian Labor Inspection Authority, we see that they have already used high infringement fees and that they have increased the level of fees. I am satisfied that they followed it.
– Lack of action
Storting representative Mimir Kristjansson (R) was not satisfied with the labor minister’s response.
– The Norwegian Labor Inspection Authority is acting contrary to the Minister’s instructions. However, the minister allows the Norwegian labor inspector to proceed as before, after saying that they will not be investigated. As a result, Kristjansson says, the minister is allowing those who pose a risk to life and health to escape.
He believes that Persson has no action.
– The minister postpones a major clean-up in working life while dealing with companies that commit serious crimes and allow the Norwegian Labor Inspection Authority to get away with it. The Norwegian Labor Inspection Authority should become more strict. It is the minister’s responsibility.
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