AFS 2023:1 In effect since 1 Jan 2025

AFS 2023:1 consolidated all work environment regulations. Have you updated your systematic work environment management?

From January 1, 2025, a single consolidated regulation governs systematic work environment management in Sweden. The rules are clearer, the documentation requirements sharper. Every Swedish employer is covered.

Safety round checklists
Risk assessment
Documentation
Actions
What changed

From fragmented regulations to one consolidated framework

AFS 2023:1 replaced several older regulations and consolidated the requirements in one place. Here are the key changes.

Before 2025

Fragmented regulations

Work environment requirements were spread across multiple regulations, with AFS 2001:1 as the base. Difficult to get an overview, easy to miss requirements.

1 Jan 2025

AFS 2023:1 entered into force

The Swedish Work Environment Authority consolidated and clarified the requirements in a single regulation. All employers – regardless of industry or size – are covered.

New req.

Clearer documentation requirements

Employers with 10 or more employees must have written documentation of policy, task allocation, risk assessments, action plans and follow-up.

New req.

Organisational and social work environment included

AFS 2023:1 integrates requirements for organisational and social work environment (previously AFS 2015:4) directly into systematic work environment management.

ISO 45001 mapping

AFS 2023:1 and ISO 45001 – how they connect

Companies already working with ISO 45001 are well positioned. Those only meeting AFS 2023:1 can take the step towards international certification.

AFS 2023:1

Work environment policy

The employer must have a policy describing how working conditions should be maintained to prevent ill health and accidents.

ISO 45001

Clause 5.2 – OH&S policy

Top management shall establish an OH&S policy that includes commitments to safe working conditions, legal compliance and continual improvement.

AFS 2023:1

Risk assessment and action plans

There must be routines for continuously examining working conditions and assessing risks. Risks that cannot be addressed immediately must be documented in action plans.

ISO 45001

Clause 6.1 – Actions to address risks and opportunities

The organisation shall identify hazards, assess risks and plan actions. ISO 45001 also requires identifying opportunities for improvement.

AFS 2023:1

Annual follow-up

Systematic work environment management must be reviewed annually. The review should form the basis for improvements.

ISO 45001

Clauses 9–10 – Evaluation and improvement

ISO 45001 requires ongoing monitoring, internal audits, management review and systematic continual improvement – a more structured follow-up approach.

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FAQ

Questions and answers about AFS 2023:1

What is AFS 2023:1?

AFS 2023:1 is the Swedish Work Environment Authority's regulation on systematic work environment management. It replaced the previous AFS 2001:1 and entered into force on January 1, 2025. It consolidates and clarifies the requirements for how employers must systematically examine, assess risks, take action and follow up on the work environment – including physical, organisational and social aspects.

Who must comply with AFS 2023:1?

All employers in Sweden are covered, regardless of industry or size. This includes foreign companies with workers performing work in Sweden. The employer has the ultimate responsibility but can delegate tasks in the work environment management to managers and supervisors.

What regulations did AFS 2023:1 replace?

AFS 2023:1 primarily replaced AFS 2001:1 (Systematic Work Environment Management) and consolidated several older regulations into a single unified regulation. The purpose was to simplify the regulatory framework and make it clearer for employers to understand their obligations.

How does ISO 45001 help with AFS 2023:1 compliance?

ISO 45001 is an international standard for occupational health and safety management systems that covers and goes beyond the requirements of AFS 2023:1. By implementing ISO 45001, you get a structured framework that meets the systematic work environment management requirements, plus international recognition, clearer management commitment and systematic continual improvement.

What documentation is required under AFS 2023:1?

Employers with 10 or more employees must have written documentation of: work environment policy, task allocation (who is responsible for what), risk assessment routines, action plans with time-bound measures and assigned responsible persons, and annual follow-up of systematic work environment management. Smaller employers must also conduct systematic work environment management, but have lower documentation requirements.

How can AmpliFlow support our work environment management?

AmpliFlow brings all parts of systematic work environment management into one digital system: pages (wiki) for policies and routines, risk assessments linked to action plans, incident and near-miss reporting via deviation management, digital checklists for safety rounds, competence management for safety training and action tracking. You get structure and traceability – but you remain responsible for the content and the actual work environment management.

More questions?

We are happy to answer your questions about AFS 2023:1 and how AmpliFlow can support your work environment management.

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Book a demo and we will show you how AmpliFlow helps you meet the requirements of AFS 2023:1 and build systematic work environment management that holds up to inspection.