Despite strong worker protections, a significant portion of employees in Nordic countries still experience workplace accidents or illnesses, a new survey from EcoOnline has found.
The “How Safe & Sustainable Is Your Workplace?” survey, which gathered responses from more than 3,600 employees in Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark, found that while 80 per cent of workers feel safe at work, one in five do not. Additionally, half of all respondents reported being impacted by workplace accidents or work-related illnesses at some point in their careers.
“Nordic countries consistently rank among the happiest in the world, a reflection of both life outside of work and within it,” said Tom Goodmanson, CEO at EcoOnline. “Sustaining that well-being means ensuring workplaces are not only productive, but also safe and supportive.”
The findings suggest that while the region has some of the most comprehensive worker protection laws, there remain significant gaps in safety practices, particularly in training and employer engagement. Norway leads the region with 83 per cent of employees perceiving their workplace as safe, and 74 per cent reporting strong employer engagement in safety initiatives. However, safety standards vary across countries, with only 60 per cent of Danish workers receiving chemical safety training compared to 79 per cent in Norway.
Growing demand for safety investment and digital solutions
Employees across the region are calling for increased investment in workplace safety, with the top three priorities being more safety training opportunities (36 per cent), increased safety initiative funding (32 per cent), and more time dedicated to safety efforts (31 per cent). Respondents linked better safety investments to tangible benefits, including increased employee happiness (47 per cent), fewer sick days (33 per cent), and improved communication across departments (26 per cent).
The survey also highlighted a growing demand for digital safety solutions. Nearly half (47 per cent) of respondents expressed a preference for digital reporting systems, yet only 61 per cent currently have access to digital chemical management tools. The gap is particularly pronounced in Finland, where access falls to 53 per cent.
In Sweden, mobile reporting preferences have steadily increased, from 17 per cent in 2023 to 24 per cent in 2025. Meeting employee expectations for digital safety solutions, the report suggests, could strengthen workplace culture and improve engagement in safety practices.
Safety as a talent retention strategy
With 85 per cent of employees considering workplace conditions in their job choices and 83 per cent willing to leave due to poor safety standards, employers who prioritize safety investments may gain a competitive edge in attracting and retaining talent, Goodmanson said.
“Safety isn’t just a regulatory compliance issue—it’s essential to attracting and retaining top talent,” he said.
The report underscores the need for businesses to close safety knowledge gaps and invest in digital tools that align with employee expectations, reinforcing the connection between workplace safety and overall well-being.
