Working Environment at DTU - Framework and Roles

Subpages (left column) are updated continuously in the event of changes in legislation, new executive orders, new agreements/contracts, etc.

The Danish Working Environment Act and the Danish Educational Environment Act

Managers and employees at DTU are covered by the Danish Working Environment Act with regard to health and safety at work. The Act is a framework law that sets requirements for both the physical and psychosocial working environment. It is supported by a number of executive orders and guidelines that elaborate on and clarify the legislation. The Act applies to all Danish workplaces and establishes that it is the responsibility of the employer and senior management to ensure that working conditions are fully safe and healthy.

The Act also stipulates that the working environment must be managed through cooperation between the employer, managers, and other employees.

Students are covered by the Working Environment Act when carrying out practical exercises of a work-related nature, for example in workshops and laboratories. The conditions under which students perform such practical activities must be fully safe and healthy. Other aspects relating to students are covered by the Educational Environment Act.

DTU’s Working Environment Policy

DTU has adopted a Working Environment Policy that provides overall direction for the working environment across the university.
The policy covers all aspects of DTU’s activities, and DTU’s Executive Board establishes the framework and authority within which DTU’s university units are expected to comply with the policy and with applicable working environment legislation.

The Working Environment Policy states that DTU’s management has responsibility and decision-making authority for both the physical and psychosocial working environment for all staff groups, students, and visitors at DTU.

DTU’s university units must work systematically to create a responsible and sustainable working environment at the local level. It is DTU’s position that working environment is a shared responsibility, extending from the highest level of management to the individual employee and student.

Guidelines and Support Tools

DTU’s efforts to ensure a safe and healthy working environment are supported by a range of guidelines and support tools.

They all have in common that they support the identification, resolution, and prevention of working environment issues at DTU. These guidelines and tools have been adopted by the Corporate Working Environment Committee and apply to everyone at DTU.

DTU develops support tools whenever they can assist the local working environment organizations within the university units. A support tool may take the form of a guideline, instruction, checklist, or similar resource. The content and scope of guidelines, instructions, and other supporting materials may vary between university units depending on local conditions and needs.