The list of occupational diseases has been largely unchanged since 1958, according to officials. In 2023, the Norwegian Institute of Occupational Health (STAMI) updated the list on assignment from the Ministry of Labour and Social Inclusion, and the proposal was sent for consultation in 2024. The new rules shift the criteria from requiring an unexpected accident to considering the inherent risk of the job.
Previously, a work accident had to be unexpected or cause unusual strain to qualify for compensation. Marta Hofsøy, chair of the Health Committee in Tromsø Ap, said the change will make it easier to get compensation for high-risk occupations, such as many female-dominated health professions. According to NRK Troms og Finnmark, Maika Solheim, an employee at Mortensnes nursing home, had two prolapses from heavy lifting and was denied occupational injury compensation because it was considered expected in her job.
I tried to report it to the occupational injury insurance, but it was not approved. That was because they thought it had to be expected when I worked in such a place in the profession I had. I still have those back problems to this day.
The government wants to change the law so that the risk inherent in the job or workplace is considered instead, Kjersti Stenseng reported.
It is absolutely fantastic that this has been put in place. Then at least many others will avoid experiencing the same as me.