What is a safety representative course?
The safety representative course is the legally mandated training that all safety representatives and members of working environment committees (AMU) must complete. The course is often referred to as the "40-hour course" because it has traditionally been structured as a 40-hour course. The goal of the course is to provide the safety representative with the knowledge needed to fulfill the role as the employees' representative in HSEQ matters.
The safety representative plays a key role in the company's HSEQ work, and good training is crucial to be able to perform the role effectively.
Who needs a safety representative course?
The following individuals are required to complete a safety representative course:
- Safety representatives – all elected or appointed safety representatives in the company
- Members of the working environment committee (AMU) – both employer and employee representatives
- Chief safety representative – the person who coordinates safety representatives in larger companies
All companies with 5 or more employees are required to have a safety representative. Companies with fewer than 5 employees can agree on a different arrangement, but it is recommended to have a safety representative regardless of size.
The training must be completed as soon as possible after the safety representative is elected, and no later than 3 months after taking office.
Legal requirements – Working Environment Act and regulations
The requirement for training of safety representatives is anchored in several legal provisions:
- Working Environment Act § 6-5 – the safety representative has the right to necessary training
- Regulation on Organization, Management and Employee Participation § 3-18 – requirements for the scope and content of the training
- Working Environment Act § 7-4 – training requirements for AMU members
The regulation states that the training should normally be at least 40 hours. Shorter training can be agreed upon if the parties jointly find that the need can be met in another way, but 40 hours is the norm.
Important points:
- The employer covers the cost of training – the safety representative should not pay themselves
- The training must take place during working hours
- The safety representative has the right to time off from work to complete the course
- The training must be adapted to the nature and risk conditions of the company
What does the safety representative course contain?
The 40-hour safety representative course at Komplett HMS covers all topics required by the regulation. The course is structured around the following main themes:
- The Working Environment Act – laws and regulations governing the working environment
- The safety representative's role and tasks – rights, duties, and authority
- Systematic HSEQ work – internal control, documentation, and follow-up
- Risk assessment – methods for identifying, assessing, and managing hazards
- Physical working environment – noise, ergonomics, chemicals, indoor climate, and lighting
- Psychosocial working environment – bullying, harassment, stress, and conflicts
- Organizational working environment – working hours, shift work, leadership, and employee participation
- Working environment committee (AMU) – composition, tasks, and meeting structure
- Occupational health service (BHT) – collaboration and assistance
- Supervision and enforcement – the role and orders of the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority
- Deviation handling and notification – reporting of dangerous conditions and near misses
Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a course certificate for the completed 40-hour safety representative course.
Validity and duration
The safety representative course has no formal expiration date. Once the course is completed, the course certificate is valid indefinitely. However, it is recommended to take refresher courses at regular intervals, especially in case of changes in regulations or working conditions.
The safety representative's term of office is normally 2 years, and in case of re-election, it is usually not necessary to take the entire course again. A shorter refresher course may be sufficient.
The course at Komplett HMS is designed for approximately 40 hours of completion time. You can work on the course at your own pace and spread the hours over several weeks.
Online safety representative course vs. classroom instruction
Traditionally, the safety representative course has been conducted as a one-week classroom instruction. Today, online courses are a fully valid alternative that provides the same competence and course certificate.
Advantages of an online safety representative course:
- Flexible completion – spread the hours over several weeks, adapted to the work situation
- Reduced costs – no travel, accommodation, or substitute costs
- Own pace – spend more time on difficult topics and go faster through familiar material
- Easier to combine with work – take a few hours a day instead of a whole week away
- Same course certificate – full documentation of 40-hour training
Classroom instruction typically costs 8,000 – 15,000 NOK per participant, plus travel and accommodation. With an online course, the company saves significant sums – especially when including indirect costs.
What does a safety representative course cost?
The price of a safety representative course varies greatly:
- Online course (Komplett HMS): 1,390 NOK excl. VAT
- Classroom-based course (1 week): 8,000 – 15,000 NOK
- Combination course (online + gathering): 4,000 – 8,000 NOK
At Komplett HMS, the 40-hour safety representative course costs only 1,390 NOK excl. VAT. Compared to classroom courses, you save on both course price, travel, and absence from work. For a company with several safety representatives, the savings can be very substantial.
Order safety representative course here – only 1,390 NOK excl. VAT
Related articles
- Safety Representative – Role, Responsibilities, and Duties You Need to Know
- What is HSEQ and Why is it Important for Your Company?
- The Internal Control Regulation – Everything Your Company Needs to Know
Order a safety representative course today
Give the safety representatives in your company the training they are entitled to. The 40-hour safety representative course from Komplett HMS is online, flexible, and costs only 1,390 NOK excl. VAT.