Mandatory HSE Courses for 2026: Choose Based on Your Role and Risk Level

“Mandatory HSE courses” is a useful search term, but the law often requires the necessary training and documented competence rather than a specific commercial course name. The appropriate training depends on one’s role, job duties, equipment, and risks.

HSE Course for Employers and Managers

Section 3-5 of the Working Environment Act requires employers to undergo training in health, safety, and environmental management. The training must provide a genuine understanding of responsibilities and systematic HSE management. As a general rule, this obligation cannot be delegated.

Safety Representative and AMU

The general rule is 40 hours of training for safety representatives and members of the working environment committee. A shorter training program may be agreed upon if the employer and employees jointly determine that the risk conditions make it justifiable. This determination should be documented.

FSE Training

Persons working on or near electrical installations must have received relevant FSE training and the necessary first aid training. The DSB specifies that the training must be conducted at least once every twelve months and tailored to the specific job duties.

Work Equipment and Machinery

The use of certain types of work equipment requires documented or certified safety training. In some cases, the theoretical portion can be completed online, but practical and equipment-specific training must be completed when required. Examples include forklifts, cranes, earthmoving equipment, and hazardous hand tools.

Scaffolding and Work at Heights

Anyone who erects, modifies, or dismantles scaffolding must have training appropriate to the scaffolding’s height and complexity. Users must receive the necessary training in safe use and inspection. When working at heights, the company must prioritize collective measures and provide training in personal fall protection and rescue when such equipment is used.

Chemicals and diisocyanates

Employers must provide training based on chemical risks, safety data sheets, and work procedures. For industrial or professional use of diisocyanates above the applicable limit, specific European training requirements apply.

Road Work Notice

The Norwegian Public Roads Administration’s course portal distinguishes between Course 0, Course 1 for site managers, Course 2 for supervisors, and Course 3 for manual traffic control. Select a course based on your role and check the requirements set by the road owner and the client.

Hot work

Certification requirements generally comply with insurance terms and conditions and safety regulations, while occupational safety and health regulations require proper training and risk assessment. Review the certification program and the company’s insurance terms and conditions.

How to Determine Which Courses Your Company Needs

1. Create an overview of roles, tasks, and equipment.
2. Risk assessment process.
3. Find competency requirements in laws, regulations, guidelines, and contracts.
4. Distinguish between theory, practice, and local instructions.
5. Document implementation and plan updates.

View all HSE courses

Frequently Asked Questions

Which HSE courses are required by law?

It depends on the role and the work. Employer-provided training, safety representative training, FSE, and training for specific job tasks and work equipment are common examples.

Can legally required HSE courses be taken online?

Theory can often be taught digitally. Practical or equipment-specific training must be provided in addition when the competency requirement includes practical skills.

Is a course certificate enough?

A course certificate documents completion, but employers must also ensure that the training is relevant, understood, and supplemented with the necessary practical experience.

Last updated on August 15, 2026. Always check the current requirements for the specific role and job duties.