1. How must working hours be arranged to protect employees in Norway?
Working hours shall be arranged so that employees are not exposed to adverse physical or mental strain and are able to observe safety considerations.
2. When can a night worker be exempted from the normal working-hour arrangement in Norway?
A night worker is entitled to exemption if this is needed for health, social or other weighty welfare reasons and can be arranged without major inconvenience to the undertaking.
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3. Are employees entitled to flexible working hours in Norway?
An employee is entitled to flexible working hours if this can be arranged without major inconvenience to the undertaking.
4. Who can request reduced normal working hours in Norway?
An employee aged 62 or who needs it for health, social or other weighty welfare reasons has the right to reduced normal working hours if this can be arranged without major inconvenience.
5. When must a work schedule be prepared in Norway?
If employees work at different times of the day, a work schedule shall be prepared showing which weeks, days and times each employee is to work.
6. How must the work schedule be prepared in Norway?
The work schedule shall be prepared in cooperation with the employees’ elected representatives and discussed at the latest two weeks before implementation.
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7. What are the general limits for normal working hours in Norway?
Normal working hours must not exceed nine hours per 24 hours and 40 hours per seven days.
8. How can working hours be extended for passive work in Norway?
For work mainly of a passive nature, hours may be extended by up to one-half of the passive periods but not by more than two hours per 24 hours and ten hours per seven days.
9. What is the maximum limit for particularly passive work in Norway?
When work is particularly passive, the Labour Inspection Authority may allow up to 13 hours per 24 hours, but not more than 48 hours per seven days.
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10. How is standby duty outside the workplace counted in Norway?
At least one-seventh of standby duty shall as a rule be included in ordinary working hours depending on how burdensome the duty scheme is.
11. Can standby duty be calculated differently by agreement in Norway?
The employer and employees’ elected representatives may by written agreement derogate from the standard calculation of standby duty.
12. What limits apply to semi-continuous shift work in Norway?
Normal working hours must not exceed nine hours per 24 hours and 38 hours per seven days.
13. What limits apply to continuous shift work in Norway?
Normal working hours must not exceed nine hours per 24 hours and 36 hours per seven days.
14. How are hours adjusted for employees working every third Sunday in Norway?
Each hour on Sundays and public holidays counts as one hour and ten minutes, and each night hour as one hour and fifteen minutes, down to 36 hours per seven days.
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15. Can normal working hours be averaged by individual agreement in Norway?
The employer and employee may agree in writing to average hours over up to 52 weeks within specified limits.
16. What are the limits under individual averaging agreements in Norway?
Working hours must not exceed ten hours per 24 hours and 48 hours per seven days, with averaging over eight weeks.
17. What extended limits can be agreed with elected representatives in Norway?
By written agreement, hours may reach twelve and one-half hours per 24 hours and 48 hours per seven days with regard to health and welfare.
18. Can the Labour Inspection Authority approve longer arrangements in Norway?
The Authority may consent to up to 13 hours per 24 hours and 48 hours per seven days over 26 weeks.
19. When is an employee entitled to breaks in Norway?
An employee shall have a break if daily hours exceed five hours and 30 minutes, and at least 30 minutes if hours reach eight.
20. When are breaks counted as working hours in Norway?
If the employee cannot leave the workplace or lacks a satisfactory break room, the break shall be part of working hours.
21. What are the rules for work on Sundays and public holidays in Norway?
No work shall be performed during specified periods unless necessitated by the nature of the work.
22. What must the employer do before imposing Sunday work in Norway?
The employer shall discuss the need for such work with the employees’ elected representatives.
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23. How is night work defined in Norway?
Work between 9.00 p.m. and 6.00 a.m. is night work.
24. When is night work permitted in Norway?
Night work is not permitted unless necessitated by the nature of the work.
25. What limits apply to employees regularly working at night in Norway?
Average working hours must not exceed eight hours per 24 hours calculated over four weeks.
26. What applies to night work involving exceptional strain in Norway?
Working hours shall not exceed eight hours per 24 hours if the work involves exceptional risk or considerable strain.
27. What health protection must be offered to night workers in Norway?
An employee who mainly works at night shall be offered a medical examination before starting and at regular intervals.
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28. Can deviations from night work limits be agreed in Norway?
The employer and employees’ elected representatives may agree in writing to depart from certain limits if compensatory rest is ensured.
29. Can employees agree to limited evening work in Norway?
The employer and employee may agree in writing that work may be performed between 9.00 p.m. and 11.00 p.m.
30. What consultation is required before night work in Norway?
The employer shall discuss the necessity of night work with employees’ elected representatives.


