OHS Guide for International Employees and Safety Representatives in Denmark
Denmark has specific requirements for workplace health and safety training. If you are an international employee working in Denmark and have been appointed as a safety representative or supervisor in the Occupational Health and Safety Organisation (AMO), you may be wondering whether the mandatory training is available in English.
The answer is yes. An English-language occupational health and safety course can provide an accessible way for international employees to complete the required training and understand their role in the Danish workplace health and safety system.
In this guide, we explain what AMO training is, who it is relevant for, what the training covers and what international employees should know when looking for an English OHS course in Denmark.
What is AMO in Denmark?
AMO stands for Arbejdsmiljøorganisation, which is the Danish Occupational Health and Safety Organisation.
The AMO is an important part of the Danish workplace health and safety system. It provides a framework for employees and management to work together to prevent accidents, improve working conditions and promote a healthy working environment.
The organisation typically includes safety representatives and supervisors, who have specific responsibilities relating to the working environment.
For international employees, the terminology can initially be confusing. You may encounter several different terms, including:
- AMO – Occupational Health and Safety Organisation
- AMR – Safety Representative
- Supervisor – A member of management involved in the health and safety organisation
- OHS – Occupational Health and Safety
- Working environment – The physical and psychological conditions at work
Understanding these terms is an important first step when taking on a health and safety role in Denmark.
Is mandatory AMO training available in English?
Yes. English-language AMO and occupational health and safety training is available here: Sign up for health and safety online course
Our OHS course covers all relevant topics:
- The formal legal basis for occupational health and safety
- Roles and responsibilities within the OHS organization (AMO)
- Key concepts within occupational health and safety law
- Rights, duties, and responsibilities of employees and employers
- Preventive occupational health and safety work
- The APV-process and APV-requirements
- Psychological work environment
APV - what is that?
Why is a workplace risk assessment (APV) important?
By conducting a thorough risk assessment, businesses can create a safer, healthier, and more productive work environment. It is also a legal requirement in Denmark that all companies with employees prepare a written APV.
The 4 phases of an APV
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Uncover and assess risk
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Include sick leave
- Make an action plan
- Implement the action plan and follow up
What is important to remember when making a good risk assessment?
- Goals and expectations
- APV must fit your business
- Involvement of all employees and managers
- Mapping and action plans are carried out within a short time
- Take as a starting point the problems that fill everyday life
- Make the risk assessment work visible – before, during and after
The purpose of a risk assessment (APV)
The purpose of an APV is to be based on the individual's experience of the workplace and the situations that employees find themselves in.
This means that an APV must:
- protect employees,
- assess work processes,
- improve the organization and performance of work.
FAQ about APV in Denmark
We have gathered important knowledge about occupational health and safety. Click on the sections below and learn more about the topic.
How can I gain more knowledge about the APV-process and APV-requirements?
At the mandatory occupation health and safety course you will gain more knowledge of the APV-process. Here we guide you to start the APV process.
You can also read more about the health and safety risk assessment / workplace risk assessment at Arbejdstilsynets webpage: Health and safety risk assessment | Danish Working Environment Authority
You can read more about the Occupational Health and Safety Organization (AMO) here, together with information about the roles of the AMR and the supervisors.
As an Occupational Health and Safety representative (AMR), your job is to represent your colleagues in health and safety matters and ensure their concerns are heard by management.
Key responsibilities of an AMR include:
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Providing guidance on safety procedures
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Identifying workplace risks and report them
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Participating in OHS meetings (eg. annual health and safety discussion) and workplace assessments (APV)
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Supporting a safe and healthy working environment
Your role depends on your company’s industry, size, and risk profile. For further guidance visit the Danish Working Environment Authority's website.
Our experienced occupational health and safety team
Our skilled team of occupational health and safety professionals brings over 20 years of expertise in delivering effective and sustainable OHS training solutions.
All our trainers in the mandatory occupational health and safety training are approved by the Danish Working Environment Authority, ensuring high-quality, statutory occupational health and safety training.
We believe that the best way to help our clients is by understanding their unique needs and challenges. That is why we always start by listening to and learning about your company, your goals, and your wishes.
Apropos Kommunikation ApS
