The Swedish work environment system

Occupational injury insurance is the oldest branch of Sweden's social insurance system, dating back to 1901. Its purpose is to provide stronger protection for people who are injured or become ill because of their work than for those whose injuries or illnesses arise from other causes. This additional protection recognizes that workers are often exposed to risks that they cannot fully control themselves.

If an occupational injury or disease reduces a person's ability to work and results in a loss of income, they may be entitled to financial compensation from the Swedish Social Insurance Agency. This benefit is known as an annuity. To qualify, the injury or disease must reduce the person's earning capacity by at least one fifteenth and the reduction must be expected to last for at least one year.

Sweden does not have an official list of occupational diseases, except for certain infectious diseases. Instead, each claim is assessed individually. For a disease to be recognized as occupational, the available evidence must show that work-related factors are the most likely cause. In other words, there must be stronger reasons to link the disease to conditions at work than to other possible causes.

The Swedish Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Assessment of Social Services is tasked to systematically synthesize knowledge about the significance of the work environment for the development of disease. The knowledge shall be used in the assessment of occupational injuries.

General information

• Swedish Social Insurance Agency 
• Swedish Work Environment Authority