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

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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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.

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.

Download the full report to explore the four themes and complete findings.

Authors

Christian Ståhl, Professor, Linköping University
Daniel Lundqvist, Associate Professor, Linköping University
Cathrine Reineholm, Associate Professor, Linköping University

Type of publication:
Systematic literature review

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  • Date

    May 20, 2025