The Danish Working Environment Authority publishes new guidelines
The Danish Working Environment Authority (in Danish: Arbejdstilsynet) is in the process of launching new guidelines aimed at providing greater clarity on the legal requirements applicable. At the same time, the majority of the existing guidelines will be revoked.
Going forward, the objective is to consolidate the guidance material so that only 25 guidelines will remain. This is intended to make the material more accessible and manageable for employers. Previously, the Danish Working Environment Authority had nearly 180 guidelines.
In addition, the former guidelines contained information on legal rules, health-related consequences, and general preventive advice. The new guidelines are solely legal in nature and focus on explaining the legal basis of the work environment regulations. They are intended to serve as a legal supplement to the relevant executive orders.
The new guidelines will be available on Retsinformation, while inspiration and preventive advice will be provided on the Danish Working Environment Authority’s website. This approach is intended to make it clearer for employers which requirements are legally binding under the Danish Working Environment Act, and which content is merely inspirational.
Please note that 12 out of a total of 14 new guidelines have already entered into force. On 1 January 2026, the guideline on young people’s work, apprentices’ practical exercises, and the work of pregnant and breastfeeding employees entered into force. The latest guidelines on daily rest periods and weekly rest days are expected to enter into force during 2026.
Littler notes
Breaches of work environment legislation may have significant consequences for employers, who risk substantial administrative fines or being reported to the police by the Danish Working Environment Authority.
The level of fines was most recently increased on 1 July 2025, when the Danish Working Environment Authority was also granted the authority to issue orders requiring all work at a construction site to cease – a so-called contractor stop. You can read more in our legal update New Legislation on Contractor Stop at Construction Sites.
The guidelines constitute an important contribution to the interpretation of work environment legislation. The reduction in the number of guidelines and the increased focus on legal requirements is expected to make it easier to understand the obligations that follow directly from the Danish Working Environment Act.
Questions regarding the new guidelines can be directed to Attorney Christian Bonne Rasmussen at
