A new survey by EcoOnline has found that despite Nordic countries ranking among the happiest in the world, workplace safety remains a concern, with half of employees impacted by work-related accidents or illnesses.
The study, conducted by the Future Insights Team at EcoOnline, surveyed more than 3,600 workers across Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark, revealing gaps in safety training and investment. The findings indicate that while 80% of employees feel safe at work, one in five do not, highlighting the need for improved workplace protections.
Gaps in Workplace Safety
Despite the region’s strong worker protection laws, the survey found significant variations in safety practices. Norway led in safety perception, with 83% of workers feeling safe and 74% reporting active employer engagement in safety initiatives. However, disparities exist, particularly in chemical safety training—while 79% of Norwegian employees receive training, the figure drops to 60% in Denmark.
The study suggests that standardised safety protocols across Nordic workplaces could improve conditions and reduce risks. Employees themselves are calling for greater investment in safety initiatives, with the top three priorities being:
- More safety training opportunities (36%)
- Increased funding for safety initiatives (32%)
- More time allocated to workplace safety efforts (31%)
Workers believe such improvements could result in happier employees (47%), fewer sick days (33%), and better communication across departments (26%).
Demand for Digital Safety Solutions
Another key trend identified in the survey is the growing demand for digital workplace safety tools. Nearly half (47%) of employees said they would prefer digital incident reporting systems, yet only 61% currently have access to a digital chemical management platform. In Finland, this figure is even lower at 53%.
Sweden, where the survey has been conducted for three years, has seen a steady rise in mobile reporting preferences, increasing from 17% in 2023 to 24% in 2025. Experts suggest that adopting digital tools could help improve incident reporting efficiency and enhance workplace safety culture.
Safety as a Factor in Job Choices
EcoOnline’s CEO, Tom Goodmanson, emphasised that workplace safety is not just a compliance issue but a crucial factor in employee retention.
“Nordic countries consistently rank among the happiest in the world, reflecting both life outside of work and within it. Sustaining that well-being means ensuring workplaces are not only productive but also safe and supportive,” he said.
The research found that 85% of employees consider workplace conditions when choosing a job, while 83% would leave a role due to poor safety standards.
The findings suggest that investing in workplace safety is not only a moral obligation but a strategic necessity for businesses aiming to attract and retain top talent. As digital solutions become increasingly essential in workplace safety, experts predict that companies adopting new safety technologies will be better positioned to improve working conditions and boost employee satisfaction.
