NIOH has 6 departments:
Work Related Psychology and Physiology
The department investigates mechanisms in order to be able to provide knowledge about the reasons for work-related complaints and diseases. Its activities are focused mainly on musculoskeletal complaints and cardiovascular diseases/diabetes II.
The department has laboratories for psychophysiology, biochemistry and studies of work-related loads on the musculoskeletal system. Basic research is combined with field work and studies of model workplaces. The effects of various measures are investigated where possible.
Organisational and Psychosocial Work Environment;
Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology
The main focus of this department is to map possible connections between work environment and illness.
The department carries out research projects connected with reproduction and cancer (agriculture, mycotoxins, silicon carbide), possible injuries to the nervous system (manganese, mercury, electric shock, acryl amide, diving operations etc.), to the lungs and respiratory system (agriculture, organic particulates, silicon carbide, manure dust and cement dust, diving operations) and the indoor climate. In recent years several projects have been started connected with an inclusive working life, and the occurrence of work-related health complaints in the population.
Chemical and Biological Work Environment
The department is engaged in the mapping and identification of chemical and biological pollution in the work environment which may entail risk to the health of the workers, and in studying the mechanisms by which injuries occur. The department’s activities are distributed between research surveys and provision of services.
National Surveillance System for Work Environment and Occupational Health
NOA is a surveillance system that is intended to coordinate, systematise and communicate knowledge on work environment and health: The main purpose will be to help direct the efforts to prevent work-related injuries, that is to say, illness, injuries, disability and premature death, as well as exclusion from working life through absence due to illness and receipt of a disability pension as a result of hazardous conditions at the work place.
Communication
The Communications Department is responsible for developing and following up the Institute’s communications strategy, library and documentation services and the Institute’s training and education programmes.
Administration
The Administration Department is responsible for wages and personnel management, economic management, IT, security and building administration.