Health, safety and environment

Health

The Occupational Health Service 

Hemis occupational health service is UiT's partner for collaboration on a good working environment. Hemis has expertise in the physical, organisational and psychosocial working environment, and is a neutral party between employer and employee.

The occupational health service shall work knowledge-based, systematically and preventively in collaboration with managers, safety delegates and employees to ensure a fully satisfactory working environment, both physically and mentally.

Last changed: 08.07.2026

Occupational medicine

Information about occupational health services, health examinations, ergonomics, occupational vaccines, employee benefits, etc.

Targeted and personal health examinations should be carried out as described in the guidelines for targeted and personal health examinations and register of exposed employees. Work involving hazardous factors triggers a requirement or offer for participation in a targeted and/or personal health examination for employees and students. The factors this applies to are given in the table below.

The assessment of the need for health examination should always be based on a comprehensive risk assessment. This means that the decision should not be based solely on whether formal occupational exposure limits have been exceeded, but on an overall evaluation of exposure, health risks, and working conditions.

The following factors should be included in the assessment:

  • risk assessment of the working conditions, including the type of exposure, exposure level, duration, and frequency
  • cumulative and combined exposure, where several low-level exposures or exposure to different factors may result in a combined health effect over time, particularly when the same organ system is affected (e.g., the respiratory system).
  • individual susceptibility, including underlying disease, allergies, reduced organ function, or other helth-related predispositions
  • changes in work tasks or processess, including the introduction of new chemicals, equipment, or organizational arrangements that may alter the exposure profile
  • the effectiveness of technical and organizational control measures, as well as any failures or reduced efficiency of such measures
  • exposure uncertainty, where inadequate measures or varying working conditions may justify a more precautionary assessment
  • interaction with non-occupational factors that may influence health risks (e.g., smoking or pre-existing disease)
  • earlry symptoms or clinical signs, as well as concerns raised by the worker or occupational health personnel
  • long-term perspectives and latency periods, particularly for exposures that may result in delayed health effects

Health examination should therefore be understood as a dynamic, risk-based, and individually tailored assessment, where formal exposure limits represent a minimum criterion but are not, in themselves, decisive for determining the need for follow-up.

Targeted health examination is provided in the form of a lecture delivered by the occupational health service. Targeted health examination in lecture format fulfils the requirements for appropriate health examination in cases where no suitable screening methods are availabe for potentially hazardous exposures. Where participation in the lecture is mandatory, it must be completed before work involving the hazardous factors begins. Registration for targeted health examination in lecture format can be completed via this link.

For some hazardous factors there is also a requirement for a personal health examination. This is a one-to-one consultation with the occupational health service.

Factors that trigger requirement for targeted or personal health examination:

Health risks Targeted health examination Personal health examination
Hazardous chemicals Mandatory Exposure to certain types of chemicals will also trigger a requirement for a personal health examination by the occupational health service.
Lead and lead
compounds 		 Mandatory Shall undergo
Asbestos fibers and asbestos dust   Shall undergo
Biological factors Mandatory Exposure to some biological factors will trigger the requirement for a personal health examination
Mechanical vibrations Shall be offered  
Noise  

Shall undergo if exposed to noise above LEX,8h = 80 dB or LpC,peak = 130 dB

Shall be offered when the risk assessment reveals health risk.

Ionising radiation

Mandatory

 Shall undergo if the work may result in a radiation dose  more than 6 mSv during a period of 12 months 

Artificial optical radiation and electromagnetic fields

Shall be offered

  
Underwater work with increased ambient pressure   When diving, a diving certificate and a medical certificate are required.
Rock work   shall undergo
Night and shift work   Shall be offered to participate in the training "Night and shift work" at the occupational health service if over half of their working hours are spent during the night. 

Regulations and useful resources

Personal health examnation related to chemicals Personal health examinations related to exposure for biological factors Personal health examinations related to noise Personal health examinations related to vibrations Personal health examination related to asbestos exposure Personal health examination related to exposure to ionising radiation
Last changed: 08.07.2026
Printvennlig innhold: Targeted and personal health examinations

Vaccination aims to prevent the development of diseases. Please note that some vaccines must be administered well in advance of when the work is to be carried out.

Occupational vaccination

Vaccination is voluntary for each individual employee. Employees who are not immune and who decline the offer of vaccination may be reassigned or prohibited from performing certain specified tasks. 

Employees who may come into contact with bloodborne pathogens should be offered the hepatitis B vaccine. Some may also require the hepatitis A vaccine. Those working outdoors or with animals should be offered the tetanus vaccine. Risk assessments may also identify the need for other vaccines.

Vaccines for hepatitis A and B, as well as diphtheria/tetanus, can be obtained by contacting UiT's occupational health service, Hemis. 

Form to be completed prior to occupational vaccination:

Form for hepatitis B vaccination
Form for vaccination against tetanus

Travel vaccination

Get an overview of infection control advice and relevant vaccines for various travel destinations on the Norwegian Institute of Public Health's (FHI) website.

Useful respources

Last changed: 30.06.2025
Printvennlig innhold: Vaccination

The health declaration ensures that employees and students are medically fit for service on board and do not pose a risk to others or the safe operation of the vessel.

A health examination and issuance of a seafarer's medical certificate are conducted by an approved seafarer's doctor. The health declaration is valid for 2 years.

Employees and students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the procedures for obtaining a seafarer's medical certificate.

Last changed: 11.06.2025
Printvennlig innhold: Seafarer's medical certificate

Pregnant employees must inform their immediate supervisor as early as possible during pregnancy to identify the need for adjustments and special measures. Once the supervisor is informed of the pregnancy, a mapping and risk assessment of the employee's tasks must be conducted together with the employee to implement necessary adjustments.

Exposures that may potentially harm health before and during pregnancy, as well as during breastfeeding, are described in a separate routine for facilitation of work for pregnant, breastfeeding, and employees of reproductive age in hazardous work environments.

Measures may be related to, for example:

  • Ergonomic conditions

  • Chemicals

  • Biological factors

  • Radiation

  • Vibrations/noise

  • Shift work/night work

Among others, the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority and the National Institute of Occupational Health (STAMI) provide useful information regarding various risk factors associated with pregnancy.

For assistance with mapping and adjustments for pregnant employees, the occupational health service can be utilized. As an employee, you can also contact the occupational health service if you are or plan to become pregnant and do not wish to inform your supervisor at an early stage. The occupational health service can assist with consultations and advice.

Regelverk:
Arbeidsmiljøloven: Krav til tilrettelegging, medvirkning og utvikling 
Forskrift om utførelse av arbeid: omplassering av arbeidstaker utsatt for kjemikalier 
Forskrift om utførelse av arbeid: omplassering av arbeidstaker ved fare for forplantningsskader

Nyttige ressurser:

Bedriftshelsetjenesten HemisArbeidstilsynets nettsider om graviditet og arbeidsmiljø 
Norsk elektronisk legehåndbok om støy og andre helseeffekter enn hørselseffekt        
Statens arbeidsmiljøinsitutts (STAMI) nettsider om tilrettelegging av arbeidsmiljø for gravide 
Statens arbeidsmiljøinstitutts rådgivningstjeneste for gravide i arbeid

Last changed: 04.02.2026
Printvennlig innhold: Pregnant, breastfeeding, and employees og reproductive age

If you have health issues that you suspect are work-related, you can contact the occupational health service to schedule an appointment or for more information. Use the form available at Hemis.

Last changed: 05.05.2025
Printvennlig innhold: Consultation with the occupational health service
Last changed: 05.05.2025

Register of exposed employees

As an employer, UiTs is responsible for maintaining a register of employees who are exposed to certain health-hazardous factors. Registration of exposed employees should e carried out as described in the guidelines for targeted and personal health examinations and register of exposed employees.

The purpose of ,aintaining an exposure register is to ensyre traceable documentation ofemployees and student who have been exposed to potentially health-damaging facors.

The register is legally required for employees and students who:

  • Are or may be exposed to carcinogenic, mutagenic or reproductive toxic chemicals
  • Work with lead or lead compounds
  • Have been or may be exposed to dust containing asbestos fibers
  • Are or have been exposed to biological factors (risk groups 3 and 4)
  • Work with ionizing radiation
  • Are exposed to harmful substances in mining operations

Further details about which substances fall into these categories can be found in the regulations concerning the performance of work.

The exposure register may be updated after individual exposure events or at specified time intervals, but at a minimum annually and upon termination of employment or completion of studies at UiT.

* To view the exposure registration form, you must log in to the website using your UiT user account (you can do this at the bottom of any UiT page).

Last changed: 22.06.2026
Printvennlig innhold: Regulations and useful resources
Last changed: 23.06.2026

Prevention of work-related ailments

Preventive HMS work is carried out in accordance with the guidelines for systematic health, safety, and environment work.

Everyone can contribute to creating a positive work environment, including both employees and leaders. Here are some tips from the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority on what you, as an employee, can do to help foster a good work environment.

Last changed: 11.06.2025
Printvennlig innhold: How you can contribute to creating a positive work environment

A workplace assessment is a systematic review and evaluation of working conditions at a workplace to ensure they are adapted to the employee's needs and meet the requirements for health, safety, and well-being.

Purpose of a workplace assessment:

  • Prevent work-related injuries and illnesses.

  • Adapt the workplace for employees with special needs.

  • Ensure the work environment complies with external and internal regulations.

  • Enhance well-being, productivity, and efficiency in the workplace.

Contact your immediate supervisor if you need a workplace assessment, assistance with equipment adjustments, or instruction.

The occupational health service, Hemis, assists employers in creating healthy and safe working conditions within the organization.

Last changed: 11.06.2025
Printvennlig innhold: Workplace assessment

What is typically included in a workplace assessment:

Mapping of Work Tasks:

  • Review of the employee's tasks and work routines.
  • Identification of challenges related to workload, variation, and ergonomics.

Ergonomic Assessment:

  • Analysis of working posture, furniture, and equipment (e.g., office chair, desk, computer screen, keyboard).
  • Adjustments to the workplace to reduce strain-related injuries.

Physical Work Environment:

  • Evaluation of lighting, noise, temperature, and air quality.
  • Identification of any physical factors that may affect health and productivity.

Technical Equipment:

  • Review of the use of technological equipment, such as computers and other work tools.
  • Adaptation of equipment to ensure efficiency and comfort.

Psychosocial Work Environment:

  • Assessment of well-being, stress levels, and workplace relationships.
  • Identification of measures to promote a positive work environment.

Adaptation:

  • Suggestions for adjustments for employees with special needs, such as disabilities or health challenges.
  • Evaluation of opportunities for flexible work arrangements.

Safety:

  • Review of safety routines and injury prevention measures.
  • Ensuring that the workplace complies with legal requirements and standards.

Report and Follow-Up:

  • Preparation of a report with recommendations and measures.
  • Plan for follow-up and evaluation of the implemented measures.

The workplace assessment can be conducted by UiT's occupational health service, Hemis, or other professionals with expertise in the field.

Last changed: 11.06.2025
Printvennlig innhold: What is included in a workplace assessment?

A workplace assessment should be conducted:

  • When starting a new job or at a new workplace.

  • When there are changes in tasks, equipment, or the work environment.

  • When an employee experiences discomfort or challenges related to working conditions.

  • As part of preventive health, environment, and safety (HMS) work.

For new hires or office relocations, it is recommended to contact the occupational health service for an office review.

The manager orders and purchases equipment from the standard inventory. If you have health issues, you may also receive technical aids.

Last changed: 11.06.2025
Printvennlig innhold: When should a workplace assessment be conducted?

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are the largest single cause of absenteeism in the workplace. The occupational health service, Hemis, assists employees in assessing ergonomic adjustments to the workplace. 

Read more on the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority's page about work-related musculoskeletal disorders and the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority's page about ergonomics.

The occupational health service, Hemis, assists employees in assessing ergonomic adjustments to the workplace.

Last changed: 11.06.2025
Printvennlig innhold: Ergonomics
Noise

In collaboration with their immediate manager, all employees have access to order technical aids that can prevent or alleviate health problems in the workplace.

You can apply for support from NAV Assistive Technology Centre to cover expenses for assistive devices that are necessary for employees to be able to keep their jobs. Please note that you must apply in advance of the purchase to have the opportunity to have it covered.

Before making a purchase, one should consider conferring with the occupational health service about the application, use, and what available aids that exists on the market - and possibly get aids on trial.

Last changed: 11.06.2025
Printvennlig innhold: Technical aids
Working environment - Hemis
Last changed: 11.06.2025
Printvennlig innhold: Useful resources
Last changed: 08.05.2025

Psychosocial working environment and mental health

Psychosocial working conditions primarily concern the social and interpersonal relationships in the workplace, as well as their form and content. Read more on the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority's website about the psychosocial work environment. Here, you will find information about the requirements for a psychosocial work environment and the potential consequences of a poor psychosocial environment.

Organizational factors such as leadership, work organization, and change processes also influence the psychosocial environment, including well-being, stress, and relationships. Read more about the organizational work environment on the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority's website about the organizational work environment.

Preventive work is carried out according to the Guidelines for systematic health, safety, and environment work. The Occupational Health Service can assist in this work.

Psychosocial working environment: Hemis
Work environment and work climate survey
Both managers and employees are responsible for contributing to a drug-free working environment.
Last changed: 11.06.2025
Printvennlig innhold: Substance abuse and addiction (AKAN)
Last changed: 11.06.2025
Printvennlig innhold: Useful resources
Last changed: 11.06.2025

How to raise a workplace environment issue

 If you have a case concerning concerning health, safety, and the work environment that cannot be resolved or does not fall under the categories listed on the Speak up page, it is important that it follows the correct procedure (chain of command). 

Here's an overview of how to proceed:

  1. Solve the case locally
    • Workplace environment issues shall, as far as possible, be resolved at department or section level.
    • First, take the matter up with your immediate supervisor
  2. Involve the safety delegate
    • If the issue is not resolved, you can ask the safety delegate to take up the matter with your immediate supervisor again.
    • The safety representative can do this alone or together with you.
    • The safety representative determines what constitutes a "reasonable time" for the employer to respond to the inquiry, and the process must be documented in writing.
  3. Take the matter further
    • If the issue remains unresolved, you can escalate the matter to the next level of management.
    • You can get support from the safety representative or a union representative.
    • Remember to inform your immediatesupervisorif the matter is taken to a higher-level manager
  4. Off-duty
    • If the issue is not resolved satisfactorily through the chain of commande, you can raise the matter again outside the chain of comman.
    • You can address the issue with the help of the safety representative, chief safety representative, the Working Environment Committee, or the union representatives
    • Depending on the nature of the issue, you decide where it should be addressed. TThe immediate manager must be informed if the matter is raised outside the chain of command.
  5. Collaboration for the best possible solution
    • In matters concerning the work environment, it is often natural for safety representatives and union representatives to collaborate to find the best solution.

Remember:

  • All processes shall be documented in writing.
  • The goal is to solve the case at the lowest possible level, but there are always opportunities to take the case further if necessary.
Last changed: 11.06.2025

First aid

Knowing basic first aid can make the difference between life and death in a critical situation. In the workplace, unforeseen events such as accidents, sudden illness, or injuries can occur at any time. That’s why it’s important for all employees to know how to act quickly and correctly. Here you will find resources, guides, and information to help you be prepared to provide first aid if needed.

Last changed: 11.06.2025

UiT´s benefits and insurance

As an employee at UiT, you have access to a variety of welfare services, some of which can be enjoyed even outside of working hours.

Benefits and insurance
Last changed: 10.10.2025
Health