When rules become practice – The importance of work environment regulation, inspections and organisational conditions

Regulations and legislation are key to promoting a good work environment and employee well-being. Previous research highlights the need for more knowledge about how organisations follow, interpret, and apply these rules in practice. With this systematic review, the Swedish Agency for Work Environment Expertise aims to deepen the understanding of how work environment regulations influence occupational health and safety (OHS) practices, and the relationship between legal texts and workplace implementation.

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Appendix

Appendices 1-6

Excerpt from the systematic review

The overall aim of the systematic review was to summarise existing European research on how workplaces address work environment issues based on current legislation and regulations. European studies were included due to the existence of legislation at both EU and national levels, and because it is relevant to highlight the differences in how countries, sectors and industries handle these matters.

The review is guided by two central research questions:

  1. How do workplaces interpret and apply work environment regulations in their occupational health and safety management?
  2. What organisational conditions are important for workplace compliance with such regulations?

To answer these questions, the material was sorted and analysed, which resulted in the identification of four key themes. These themes reflect both the organisational conditions that influence regulatory compliance and the actual OHS management that takes place at workplaces in relation to regulation and inspection.

Theme 1: From legislation to practice 

This theme addresses how regulations are interpreted, applied and monitored. The research shows that regulations act as external pressure on organisations to ensure adequate working conditions. Inspections that combine control and advice can influence employer actions as well as work environment outcomes.

Theme 2: The importance of context 

This theme explores how conditions differ between countries and sectors, and how external societal factors influence implementation. EU directives, for example, are implemented differently depending on the national context, which also affects inspection practices.

Theme 3: The importance of structure 

This theme focuses on organisational conditions and working conditions. High production demands and fast work pace are identified as structural barriers to prioritising or working with OHS issues. Leadership plays an important role, and the size of the organisation affects the ability to implement regulations and achieve a good work environment.

Theme 4: The importance of social relations 

This theme concerns the social interaction at the workplace. The research shows that clear roles and responsibilities are fundamental for effective OHS management, but that the role of the safety representative is often unclear.

Key conclusions

As in previous research, the review confirms that there is no linear relationship between legislation, work environment practice, and outcomes. An organisation’s approach to OHS management depends on a range of factors, from EU directives and legislation, through leadership and governance, to employees’ working conditions and knowledge.

These conditions can together create both external and internal pressures on organisations to improve or maintain their OHS management. External pressure arises from laws and inspections, while internal pressure is created through leadership and governance. The review also identifies knowledge gaps, particularly regarding gender perspectives and the role of occupational health services in preventive OHS work.

Authors

Christian Ståhl, Professor, Linköping University

Daniel Lundqvist, Associate Professor, Linköping University

Cathrine Reineholm, Associate Professor, Linköping University

A publication from the Swedish Agency for Work Environment Expertise

This publication was produced by the Swedish Agency for Work Environment Expertise. Since 1 January 2026, the Agency for Work Environment Expertise has been part of the Swedish Work Environment Authority. You can find all their publications here on our website.

Last updated 2026-01-01