Physical & mental work environment

The workplace must support a healthy workplace, both in the physical surroundings as well as the mental work environment, to make sure the work can be carried out properly and without risks.

Physical work environment covers areas from ergonomics to temperature and smoking. Mental work environment covers psychosocial strains, relationships between coworkers, abusive actions and stress.

It is mandatory for all companies with employees to prepare a written APV (workplace assessment).
The APV must contain an assessment of the safety and health conditions in the workplace and is the company's tool for keeping track of the working environment.

Physical work environment 
The physical surroundings for carrying out the work includes:

• The size of your workplace
• Ergonomically correct and individual setting of workplace - also relevant in relation to homework
• How hot and cold it must be
• How much noise there may be
• Requirements for chemical and allergenic substances etc.
   

All these matters are regulated by the Danish Working Environment Authority (Arbejdstilsynet).
In general, the Danish Working Environment Authority recommends, for example, that for sedentary and stationary work it should not be below 18 ° C. If the outdoor temperature drops suddenly, or there are unfavorable wind conditions, the Danish Working Environment Authority accepts lower temperatures for a short period of time.
The Danish Working Environment Authority will also accept lower temperatures set by other authorities, for example when handling medicines in connection with production.

However, as many tasks as possible must be performed under normal temperature conditions.

Smoking
The employer is obliged to contribute to a smoke-free environment to prevent harmful effects of passive smoking.
According to the law on smoke-free environments, smoking in the workplace is generally prohibited. However, the company may allow smoking in smoking cabins or smoking rooms.
It is also a requirement that the workplace has a written smoking policy, which clearly states if it is allowed to smoke in the workplace, and where smoking is allowed if allowed.

Mental work environment 
Many factors affect the mental work environment in the workplace. These can include:

• The way the work is planned and organized
• The organizational conditions of importance to the employees' work
• The content of the work, including the requirements of the work
• The way the work is performed
• The social relations.

It is individual how we are each affected by the mental work environment, but in general it affects people negatively if the above conditions are not prioritized and in focus at the workplace.

Problems in the mental work environment can, if left unresolved, result in illness, stress, bullying and harassment. Read more about abusive acts, bullying and sexual harassment in the box with the same title on this page. 

If you as an employee experience problems with the work environment, we recommend that you talk to your work environment representative (arbejdsmiljørepræsentant), as he/she has a duty to take care of both the physical and mental work environment. You are also always very welcome to contact Pharmadanmark´s Legal Department for further advice.