HSE Card in Norway
One of the essential obligations when posting workers to Norway includes the critical step of securing an HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) card for each worker/employee. This card is mandatory proof of legal employment within Norway and must be carried by all workers during their time on the job. Understanding the legal necessity of the HSE card is important for employers, as it complies with Norwegian work environment laws.
Our comprehensive guide offers insights into the process for obtaining the HSE card, ensuring that your workers are fully prepared, and your business meets all Norwegian legal obligations.
- Published
- Time to read: 4 min
What is the HSE Card?
Grasping the intricacies of the HSE card is vital for businesses in the construction and cleaning sectors operating in Norway. This card is not just a formality; it’s a crucial instrument for upholding safety standards and ensuring legal compliance within these industries. For companies posting workers to Norway, securing an HSE card for each worker is a fundamental step.
The HSE Card in Norway is a critical document that verifies a worker’s legal employment status and their association with a specific employer. Additionally, it confirms their registration with the tax authorities. This card details personal identification, employer information, and the scope of the employee’s work.
An HSE card serves as identification, showing the worker’s identity and their associated company. It confirms that both the worker and the company are properly registered with the relevant public authorities. Employers are responsible for ensuring their workers have a valid HSE card, and the card must be worn visibly while on the job site.
Importance of the HSE Card
Businesses engaged in construction work, cleaning services, or tasks related to car care, such as wheel changes and storage, are required to ensure that their employees have valid HSE cards (HMS-kort). This rule applies to all employees, regardless of whether they are Norwegian or foreign nationals, to comply with safety regulations.
The HSE card is designed for upholding transparency, and it streamlines the inspection process and ensures that industry standards are enforced, allowing authorities to verify that workers comply with all legal and safety regulations. For international workers posted to Norway, the HSE card offers an additional layer of security by affirming their legal employment status and work entitlements.
The card stays valid for 2 years.
How to Obtain an HSE Card
To apply for an HSE card, both the company and the individual who will receive the card must be registered in various public registers. Keep in mind that registration requirements may change, so it’s important to check the official government websites to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.
Obtaining an HSE Card Norway involves several steps:
1. Register the company
The company, where the employee is employed, must be registered in the Norwegian Register of Business Enterprises and the VAT register. Please note this is not establishing a new legal entity, it is the registration of your existing company, in Norway.
All businesses operating in Norway, including foreign companies and sole proprietorships, must be listed in the Central Coordinating Register for Legal Entities.
Companies registered in these databases receive an organization number, which is necessary to apply for an HSE card.
You can register your business in the Central Coordinating Register for Legal Entities and the Register of Business Enterprises at brreg.no.
Businesses that sell goods or provide taxable services are required to register in the VAT Register and charge Norwegian VAT. When ordering an HSE card, you must indicate whether your company is registered in the VAT Register.
Some of your Norwegian customers might have strict rules to have the HMS card in place when works start. Since the card cannot be ordered before the company is registered, it is crucial to start in time.
2. Register the employee
Each employee must obtain a D-number. D-numbers are temporary Norwegian identification numbers for individuals that don’t have a Norwegian passport, citizenship or residence. The D–number is used for basic things in Norway, such as opening a bank account or seeing a medical professional, but also for your tax deduction card.
The purpose of a D-number is to ensure proper registration of your employees by the Norwegian authorities and to enable compliance with local regulations, including paying taxes and other financial obligations. A D-number is an essential tool for tracking and reporting an individual’s tax and financial obligations in Norway.
3. Apply for the HSE card
Once the company and employee are registered, you can apply for the HSE card online. The application process involves submitting personal identification details, employment information, and a recent photograph.
If you are connected to multiple companies, you will receive a list of all the units you are associated with. Select the relevant company and navigate to the specific sub-unit to order a card.
Use the search feature to find the individual requiring an HSE card. You cannot issue more than one HSE card for the same person within a company for the same period. The card will be issued and sent to an address in Norway.