Good practices in labour inspection, preventive Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) approaches, and social dialogue were observed in Sweden with the aim of strengthening institutional cooperation between Türkiye and Sweden.
Within the scope of the EU-funded project “Workplace Compliance through Labour Inspection Guidance and Social Dialogue (WPC)”, implemented in collaboration between the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Directorate of Guidance and Inspection (DoGI) of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, a study visit to Sweden was conducted on 25–29 August 2025.
Preventive OSH practices and data-driven inspection approaches
The visit provided first-hand insights into how workplace compliance in Sweden is built upon a preventive safety culture, inspections supported by technology, research and data, and social dialogue. Discussions focused on the impact of non-standard forms of employment (such as platform work, short-term contracts and telework) and digitalisation on labour inspection.
It was highlighted that administrative issues such as wage payment, annual leave and overtime are often regulated through collective agreements, with trade unions playing an active role, thus reducing the need for inspector intervention. In addition, the active role of workplace safety representatives – mandatory in workplaces with at least five employees, union-mandated and vested with the authority to stop work in case of imminent danger – was underlined.
Multi-level dialogue with social partners
Sessions with LO and TCO focused on the trade union structure in Sweden, the country’s collective bargaining coverage rate of nearly 90%, and the pivotal role of collective agreements in ensuring workplace compliance. The functioning of the workplace safety representative system, psychosocial risks particularly affecting white-collar workers, and work-life balance initiatives were discussed.
The meeting with Suntarbetsliv showcased joint preventive initiatives in the municipal sector, where practical tools and training materials are used to strengthen local compliance capacity. At the meeting with Svenskt Näringsliv, discussions focused on the employers’ perspective on compliance, productivity and fair competition; the contribution of joint OSH initiatives developed by workers’ and employers’ organizations such as Prevent; and the mechanisms of participation in national-level policy processes.
Key outcomes
The visit highlighted Sweden’s high collective bargaining and unionisation coverage, the active role of workers’ and employers’ organisations, and the significance of the workplace safety representative system. It underscored the importance of spreading a preventive safety culture and reinforcing multi-stakeholder compliance through social dialogue. The findings are expected to make a direct contribution to advancing workplace compliance in Türkiye under the WPC Project.
