Fact Sheet
Denmark
The Working Environment Authority (Arbejdstilsynet)
Basis principle
The Danish Working Environment Authority is the Danish authority in the field of working environment. Our goal is to promote a safe and healthy working life for everyone and move the working environment in the right direction. We are also responsible for the prevention against occupational diseases and accidents at work. We handle the legislation on compensation for people who, despite preventive measures, are injured at work. We also ensure that the Workers’ Compensation Act match developments in the area, that these regulations are simple and easy to apply, and that the interaction between the Workers’ Compensation Act and other laws is improved.
The Labour Market Insurance is in charge of case handling and all decisions under the Workers’ Compensation Act. The Labour Market Insurance is a self-governing public institution and is governed by a board consisting of the social partners. The Minister of Employment supervises the board.
Financial compensation
Compulsory insurance scheme financed by employers’ premiums/contributions covering all employees working in Denmark and providing benefits in kind and earnings-related cash benefits.
Medical treatment responsibilities
Costs of medical care or rehabilitation, which is required to obtain the best possible cure, will be defrayed by the insurance companies or The Labour Market Insurance to the extent that such costs are not covered under the Health Act or as a treatment in a public hospital.
Prevention responsibilities
Prevention is the employers’ fundamental responsibility.
The Danish Working Environment Authority is responsible for targeting and strengthening efforts to prevent occupational accidents and accidents at work.
Research in OS&H issues responsibilities
Yes
Rehabilitation of victims of occupational injuries responsibilities
Injured people can have rehabilitation in the general system.
Specific insurance against accidents at work and occupational diseases
Yes
Is this insurance compulsory?
It is compulsory for employers and optional for self-employed earners.
Contributions
The insurance is financed by contributions from employers.
People covered
All workers employed by a Danish employer as well as self-employed persons who opt to take out insurance for themselves.
Is insurance different for accidents at work and for occupational diseases?
Yes.
For accidents at work there is a choice between insurance companies.
For occupational diseases employers must contribute to the Labour Market Occupational Diseases Fund (Arbejdsmarkedets Erhvervssikring /AES).
Risks covered
Accidents at work / occupational diseases
Commuting accidents are not covered