EU-OSHA published a new report on 10 March examining how labour inspectorates and prevention services across Europe support occupational safety and health compliance. The study covers five countries, including Norway, and the picture it paints is one of a sector under pressure and adapting fast.
The most notable theme is a shift away from traditional command-and-control enforcement. The report describes a move towards promotion-first approaches, where sanctions are treated as a last resort rather than a primary tool. This reflects a practical reality: inspector-to-workforce ratios across all five countries make comprehensive coverage impossible, so inspectorates are increasingly selective about where they focus.
That selectivity is being driven by data. The Norwegian Labour Inspectorate features as a case study for its risk-based strategy, using data analytics to identify high-risk sectors and allocate inspection resources accordingly. Digital tools including video consultations and AI-powered chatbots have moved from pandemic-era stopgaps to permanent features of the regulatory landscape. The report is clear, though, that these tools work best alongside traditional approaches rather than replacing them.
Two other findings stand out. Collaborative networks are highlighted as essential, with the report noting that no single institution can effectively address modern OSH challenges alone. And sustainable improvement depends on building genuine internal capability within organisations, not just formal compliance.
SOURCE: EU-OSHA (European Agency for Safety and Health at Work), no individual author listed, published 10 March 2026. https://osha.europa.eu/en/highlights/strengthening-osh-compliance-through-labour-inspectorates-and-prevention-services
