AFS 2023:2 has several chapters for particular situations. Here we go through the ones that matter most for a manager.
Workplace adaptation (chapter 3)
Workplace adaptation (arbetsanpassning) is used to prevent ill health and sickness absence and when someone is to return to work after sick leave. It can be special equipment, adapted tasks or adapted hours.
- The employer must continuously find out whether anyone needs workplace adaptation.
- There must be procedures for receiving information about needs. The procedures must be in writing with ten or more employees.
- Once a need has been established, the employer must investigate, carry out, follow up and, if necessary, adjust the measures.
- The employee concerned must be able to take part in the investigation, the design and the follow-up.
First aid and crisis support (chapter 4)
There must be preparedness and procedures for first aid and crisis support at every workplace, adapted to the nature and scale of the business and its particular risks. The procedures must be followed up. Staff must know them. There must be enough people who can give first aid, and their knowledge must be kept up to date. Managers and supervisors must have sufficient knowledge of crisis support.
Violence and threats of violence (chapter 5)
The chapter applies to all businesses where there may be a risk of violence or threats, including threats over the internet or by telephone. The employer must:
- organise the work so that the risk is prevented as far as possible
- have special security procedures, follow them up and update them
- see that the workplace is designed and equipped to prevent violence and threats
- see that there is an alarm if needed, that there are procedures for who receives alarms and that staff practise regularly
- give support and guidance where there is a recurring risk of violence or threats
- investigate and document near misses and incidents
The employer must not let anyone work alone if the work involves a clear risk of violence or threats.
Lone working (chapter 6)
Lone working means working physically isolated, so that you need communication equipment to reach others, or working near others but not being able to be sure of getting help in a critical situation. The employer must:
- arrange lone working so that the risk is no greater than if several people did the job together
- take account of the possibility of contact with other people
- arrange quick help in an emergency if there is a clear risk of bodily injury
- not allow the work to be done as lone working if acceptable safety cannot be arranged
- notify a safety representative when such lone working is arranged
- not use minors for such lone working
Pregnant workers and minors
Chapter 7 applies to employees who are pregnant, breastfeeding or gave birth no more than 14 weeks earlier and have told the employer. The employer must then examine and assess the risks together with her. Chapter 8 contains rules on the work environment of minors, for example prohibited tasks. Read them carefully if you have such staff.
What you still have to do yourself
You must assess for yourself what risks exist in your business, appoint and train those who give first aid, introduce alarms and procedures where they are needed and receive anyone who needs adaptation.