Many 13-17-year-olds have a part-time job cleaning. From 1 January 2026, the list of machines young people may not use is gone. Instead the employer must carry out a risk assessment with 7 points — and as a rule young people may not use chemicals with certain hazard statements.
Introduction
On 1 January 2026, a new executive order on young people's work came into force (BEK no. 1713 of 18/12/2025). It applies to young people under 18 and changes the rules for machines and chemicals. This matters in cleaning, where many young people have their first part-time job.
The machine list is gone
The Danish Working Environment Authority writes: “So there is no longer a list of machines that young people may not work with.” Instead, the employer must assess the specific machine and the specific young person before the work begins. If a new machine or a new substance is introduced, a new assessment must be made.
7 points before starting
The Danish Working Environment Authority's risk assessment has 7 points. The same points are used for chemicals:
- 011) Hazardous properties of the machine or its moving or processing parts.
- 022) The surroundings of the work.
- 033) The risk of injury when working with the machine.
- 044) The young person's relevant experience, education or courses.
- 055) The young person's ability to recognise and avoid risks.
- 066) The young person's physical and mental health and maturity.
- 077) The need for extra protection.
Members only
The rest of the article is locked
Create a free user account to unlock all articles, calculators, templates and range — and get access to quizzes and classes. It takes less than a minute: name, email and a password. No payment card.
Want to try something first? See what you can use without an account — the junior zone, the encyclopedia, the videos and more.