Citation

Karlsen JE, Lindoe PH. Pol. Pract. Health Saf. 2006; 4(1): 17-30.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (Great Britain))

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper examines the emergence and development of the 'Nordic model' of occupational safety and health. The model emerged during the 1970s and since then has been used to regulate the working environment and occupational safety and health in Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden). The model, both innovative and future-oriented, stemmed from labour contract negotiations of the 1930s, and was based on a 'three-pillar' system involving employers, employees and government.

The paper goes on to examine the fragmentation of the Nordic model during the 1990s, which resulted in a shift away from the former reflexive practice based on common ideas, tripartism and job security, towards principles of flexibility, thereby leaving important aspects of occupational safety and health to be regulated by market forces rather than institutional actors.

The paper concludes with a look at how the Nordic occupational safety and health model may develop in the coming years.