natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
On behalf of the Ministry of Labour and Social Inclusion – STAMIs managing ministry – I am pleased to state that STAMI has positioned itself as the Norwegian institute for research on occupational health. 
On behalf of the Ministry of Labour and Social Inclusion – STAMIs managing ministry – I am pleased to state that STAMI has positioned itself as the Norwegian institute for research on occupational health.
This status, which is based on merit rather than granted, was most recently confirmed in February, when the Parliamentary Committee on Labour and Social Affairs in a Recommendation to the Parliament complemented STAMI with its level of professionalism; maintaining both STAMIs prominent position both on chemical exposure as well as other areas of national interest. 
This status, which is based on merit rather than granted, was most recently confirmed in February, when the Parliamentary Committee on Labour and Social Affairs in a Recommendation to the Parliament complemented STAMI with its level of professionalism; maintaining both STAMIs prominent position both on chemical exposure as well as other areas of national interest.
And equally important, STAMI has internationally found a position among the leading research institutes on occupational health – a position demonstrated by favourable comparisons with its collaborating and competing institutes abroad, and not least by the recent invitation to apply for status as WHO Collaborating Centre in the area of Occupational Health. 
And equally important, STAMI has internationally found a position among the leading research institutes on occupational health – a position demonstrated by favourable comparisons with its collaborating and competing institutes abroad, and not least by the recent invitation to apply for status as WHO Collaborating Centre in the area of Occupational Health.
I feel confident that the evaluation associated with this application procedure will serve to reinforce STAMIs international position even further. 
I feel confident that the evaluation associated with this application procedure will serve to reinforce STAMIs international position even further.
Nordic work environment research in a period of change 
Nordic work environment research in a period of change
The notion of a “Nordic Model” is quite strong; emphasising among other things the strong tripartite cooperation between employers, employees, and the authorities. 
The notion of a “Nordic Model” is quite strong; emphasising among other things the strong tripartite cooperation between employers, employees, and the authorities.
However, in terms of work environment research, we may add a fourth party – and that is the academic community. 
However, in terms of work environment research, we may add a fourth party – and that is the academic community.
It is probably fair to state that in this field, the cooperation between the “traditional” parties has paved the way for an opening of gates otherwise closed into the workplace, and thus provided researchers with access to topics and cases from the real working life. 
It is probably fair to state that in this field, the cooperation between the “traditional” parties has paved the way for an opening of gates otherwise closed into the workplace, and thus provided researchers with access to topics and cases from the real working life.
Hopefully, this “open door policy” has contributed to early discovery of risks – and thereby prevention of work related sickness and injuries in our countries. 
Hopefully, this “open door policy” has contributed to early discovery of risks – and thereby prevention of work related sickness and injuries in our countries.
Furthermore, this shared approach has lead to a strong sense of a Nordic community – which stands out among international work environment centres. 
Furthermore, this shared approach has lead to a strong sense of a Nordic community – which stands out among international work environment centres.
This is clearly demonstrated by recent statistics, which suggest that the four Nordic countries hold a leading international position in terms of the number of articles published in occupational health journals. 
This is clearly demonstrated by recent statistics, which suggest that the four Nordic countries hold a leading international position in terms of the number of articles published in occupational health journals.
I mentioned how we currently experience exciting times in terms of work environment, and especially so when it comes to work environment research. 
I mentioned how we currently experience exciting times in terms of work environment, and especially so when it comes to work environment research.
At least two trends unfold – both of which are challenging for work environment research; in Norway as well as in the other Nordic countries. 
At least two trends unfold – both of which are challenging for work environment research; in Norway as well as in the other Nordic countries.
On the one hand, globalisation and labour migration reaches an all-time high. 
On the one hand, globalisation and labour migration reaches an all-time high.
This development poses a challenge to current occupational safety structures; especially because these still, to a large extent, reflect protection of workers that faced yesterday’s challenges. 
This development poses a challenge to current occupational safety structures; especially because these still, to a large extent, reflect protection of workers that faced yesterday’s challenges.
Today, we especially find challenges in the service sector and the informal sector – both with a high proportion of foreign manpower. 
Today, we especially find challenges in the service sector and the informal sector – both with a high proportion of foreign manpower.
It is probably also fair to say that the very distinction between occupational health and public health is becoming increasingly more complex and less clear cut. 
It is probably also fair to say that the very distinction between occupational health and public health is becoming increasingly more complex and less clear cut.
For instance, despite progresses in medicine and the general level of public health, we continue to observe increased demand on health-related welfare benefits – which in turn are often based on increasingly diffuse and complex diagnoses. 
For instance, despite progresses in medicine and the general level of public health, we continue to observe increased demand on health-related welfare benefits – which in turn are often based on increasingly diffuse and complex diagnoses.
Any work/life balance in terms of isolating occupational from public health is therefore getting harder to achieve. 
Any work/life balance in terms of isolating occupational from public health is therefore getting harder to achieve.
Simultaneously, we have a challenge of a very different nature: A substantial number of our most experienced and senior researchers approach retirement age, pointing to a pressing need for sufficient financing of new research activities, the training of a new generation of researchers, and transfer of knowledge between generations. 
Simultaneously, we have a challenge of a very different nature: A substantial number of our most experienced and senior researchers approach retirement age, pointing to a pressing need for sufficient financing of new research activities, the training of a new generation of researchers, and transfer of knowledge between generations.
As these trends unfold, it is reassuring to observe that our countries for the most part can benefit from strong, competent and even growing national work environment institutes. 
As these trends unfold, it is reassuring to observe that our countries for the most part can benefit from strong, competent and even growing national work environment institutes.
This is the best guarantee for continued Nordic cooperation. 
This is the best guarantee for continued Nordic cooperation.
Our general political agenda and priorities 
Our general political agenda and priorities
I have been asked to address, among other topics, our agenda and priorities in the area of work environment and occupational health. 
I have been asked to address, among other topics, our agenda and priorities in the area of work environment and occupational health.
I accept this task with pleasure; inasmuch as this administration and the Ministry I represent give high priority to efforts aimed at continuous improvement of the work environment. 
I accept this task with pleasure; inasmuch as this administration and the Ministry I represent give high priority to efforts aimed at continuous improvement of the work environment.
This administration considers a good work environment both as a goal in itself, AND as a means to increased productivity, good occupational health, and reduced levels of sickness absence and labour market expulsion. 
This administration considers a good work environment both as a goal in itself, AND as a means to increased productivity, good occupational health, and reduced levels of sickness absence and labour market expulsion.
Active labour market policy – accompanied by a strong legislation for health and safety at work – is therefore considered part and parcel of our paramount objective of a more inclusive working life. 
Active labour market policy – accompanied by a strong legislation for health and safety at work – is therefore considered part and parcel of our paramount objective of a more inclusive working life.
Let me illustrate by an example: 
Let me illustrate by an example:
When this administration took office in 2005, one of our first priorities was to reverse a strategy for deregulations in areas regulated by The Working Environment Act. 
When this administration took office in 2005, one of our first priorities was to reverse a strategy for deregulations in areas regulated by The Working Environment Act.
While not opposing flexibility as such, we did find it imperative to maintain and improve a legislative framework that continues to safeguard: 
While not opposing flexibility as such, we did find it imperative to maintain and improve a legislative framework that continues to safeguard:
a health-promoting work environment; 
a health-promoting work environment;
safe employment conditions; 
safe employment conditions;
individual adaptation; and 
individual adaptation; and
workplace cooperation and partnership. 
workplace cooperation and partnership.
Topics such as employment protection, temporary employment, “whistleblower” protection and working time arrangements have thus been at the top of our agenda from day one in office. 
Topics such as employment protection, temporary employment, “whistleblower” protection and working time arrangements have thus been at the top of our agenda from day one in office.
This list of priorities corresponds to our general political agenda, in which worker protection and health feature prominently. 
This list of priorities corresponds to our general political agenda, in which worker protection and health feature prominently.
I will not venture much deeper into the specifics of Norwegian labour and social protection initiatives here and now, but I maintain that over the last few years, we have managed to emphasise the role of health – including occupational health – in the continuous strategy to promote a more inclusive workplace and labour market. 
I will not venture much deeper into the specifics of Norwegian labour and social protection initiatives here and now, but I maintain that over the last few years, we have managed to emphasise the role of health – including occupational health – in the continuous strategy to promote a more inclusive workplace and labour market.
Strengthening of occupational health services (OHS) 
Strengthening of occupational health services (OHS)
Although I’m aware that quite a few of you have attended the OHS workshop today, I’d like to elaborate a bit further on this important topic from the authorities’ point of view, inasmuch as the OHS is regarded as an important means in achieving a good and preventive work environment. 
Although I’m aware that quite a few of you have attended the OHS workshop today, I’d like to elaborate a bit further on this important topic from the authorities’ point of view, inasmuch as the OHS is regarded as an important means in achieving a good and preventive work environment.
Our system of OHS is currently being audited, and the Ministry´s proposals for change have recently been submitted to hearing among all relevant actors. 
Our system of OHS is currently being audited, and the Ministry´s proposals for change have recently been submitted to hearing among all relevant actors.
The Ministry has received a great number of answers and comments which we are currently working our way through with great interest. 
The Ministry has received a great number of answers and comments which we are currently working our way through with great interest.
The current proposal from the Ministry of Labour and Social Inclusion is centred on a few main topics. 
The current proposal from the Ministry of Labour and Social Inclusion is centred on a few main topics.
First, we have proposed to revise and expand the branch regulation – that is, the set of rules determining the branches comprised by the OHS system. 
First, we have proposed to revise and expand the branch regulation – that is, the set of rules determining the branches comprised by the OHS system.
This particular revision is based on the fact that modern-day working life entails a wider set of risks than currently recognised; for instance risks associated with ergonomics and psycho-social issues. 
This particular revision is based on the fact that modern-day working life entails a wider set of risks than currently recognised; for instance risks associated with ergonomics and psycho-social issues.
Based on a thorough review of candidate branches, the Ministry of Labour and Social Inclusion have therefore proposed to extend the regulation to comprise seven new branches, including health and social services, education, and security services. 
Based on a thorough review of candidate branches, the Ministry of Labour and Social Inclusion have therefore proposed to extend the regulation to comprise seven new branches, including health and social services, education, and security services.
Provided a positive outcome of the current audit process, employees in these branches will obtain access to occupational health services, while branches already covered by the regulation will continue to do so. 
Provided a positive outcome of the current audit process, employees in these branches will obtain access to occupational health services, while branches already covered by the regulation will continue to do so.
Second, we propose the introduction of an official approval of individual OHS services; the approval being based on an assessment of competence, volume/coverage, and overall quality. 
Second, we propose the introduction of an official approval of individual OHS services; the approval being based on an assessment of competence, volume/coverage, and overall quality.
This initiative is based on an aspiration to ensure better quality in OHS and to combat substandard services, not least by involving the Labour Inspectorate as partners for employers in need of assistance. 
This initiative is based on an aspiration to ensure better quality in OHS and to combat substandard services, not least by involving the Labour Inspectorate as partners for employers in need of assistance.
While it’s recognised that the approval in itself will not relieve the problem of reluctant employers, it is assumed that some benchmark of quality in itself will ensure OHS services of high quality. 
While it’s recognised that the approval in itself will not relieve the problem of reluctant employers, it is assumed that some benchmark of quality in itself will ensure OHS services of high quality.
The particularities of this arrangement have yet to be settled. 
The particularities of this arrangement have yet to be settled.
Third, we are prepared to back up the OHS revision with intensified public supervision and guidance vis-à-vis employers, both individually and on the branch level. 
Third, we are prepared to back up the OHS revision with intensified public supervision and guidance vis-à-vis employers, both individually and on the branch level.
Simultaneously, employers must be made aware of their responsibility to make use of the OHS services. 
Simultaneously, employers must be made aware of their responsibility to make use of the OHS services.
The Labour Inspectorate is among the most important actors in this part of the strategy. 
The Labour Inspectorate is among the most important actors in this part of the strategy.
New initiatives in work environment research 
New initiatives in work environment research
Some of you are researchers, and all of you present here today are – in one way or another –intimately involved with the area of working conditions and occupational health and safety. 
Some of you are researchers, and all of you present here today are – in one way or another –intimately involved with the area of working conditions and occupational health and safety.
With your hands-on involvement in this area, you know the importance of committing resources to the maintenance of thorough and constantly updated knowledge on which to base both daily activities and long-term strategies. 
With your hands-on involvement in this area, you know the importance of committing resources to the maintenance of thorough and constantly updated knowledge on which to base both daily activities and long-term strategies.
In addition to the always important question of funding, another keyword for research is predictability and long-term commitment; that is a reassurance that research projects will be carried out in a sufficiently prolonged manner. 
In addition to the always important question of funding, another keyword for research is predictability and long-term commitment; that is a reassurance that research projects will be carried out in a sufficiently prolonged manner.
I am not a researcher, but we policy makers certainly recognise the importance of the contribution from researchers as well as practitioners. 
I am not a researcher, but we policy makers certainly recognise the importance of the contribution from researchers as well as practitioners.
In fact, in this area – for instance when we want to study health effects in conjunction with working conditions and exposure – we often find ourselves highly dependent on input and suggestions from the academic community. 
In fact, in this area – for instance when we want to study health effects in conjunction with working conditions and exposure – we often find ourselves highly dependent on input and suggestions from the academic community.
Therefore, it is important to maintain and develop a sufficiently solid knowledge base – a knowledge base sensitive to the importance of resources, predictability, and long-term commitment. 
Therefore, it is important to maintain and develop a sufficiently solid knowledge base – a knowledge base sensitive to the importance of resources, predictability, and long-term commitment.
In terms of policy initiatives linked to a more inclusive labour market, I have already noted our renewed emphasis on health in general and occupational health in particular over the last few years. 
In terms of policy initiatives linked to a more inclusive labour market, I have already noted our renewed emphasis on health in general and occupational health in particular over the last few years.
This focus is also reflected in new and strengthened initiatives in the area of work environment research. 
This focus is also reflected in new and strengthened initiatives in the area of work environment research.
Both in this area as well as in many others, the most important instrument is our national Research Council, through which designated research programmes are designed, funded, administrated and followed up. 
Both in this area as well as in many others, the most important instrument is our national Research Council, through which designated research programmes are designed, funded, administrated and followed up.
I would like to call attention to a few programmes of particular interest to this audience. 
I would like to call attention to a few programmes of particular interest to this audience.
First, we have initiated a new Programme for Research on Causes for Sickness absence and labour market exclusion; a 10-year programme for the period 2007 – 2016. 
First, we have initiated a new Programme for Research on Causes for Sickness absence and labour market exclusion; a 10-year programme for the period 2007 – 2016.
This programme is designed to foster a more comprehensive and strengthened knowledge base on causes of sickness absence, disability and labour market expulsion. 
This programme is designed to foster a more comprehensive and strengthened knowledge base on causes of sickness absence, disability and labour market expulsion.
Today, I am content with noting that work environment, working conditions and occupational health feature prominently among the research topics in this programme, which already comprise a handful of projects. 
Today, I am content with noting that work environment, working conditions and occupational health feature prominently among the research topics in this programme, which already comprise a handful of projects.
The new research programme represents a continuation of previous programmes on occupational health. 
The new research programme represents a continuation of previous programmes on occupational health.
The main rationale behind a renewed focus on occupational health is a widely recognised need to map and analyse the causal relationships between working conditions and occupational health. 
The main rationale behind a renewed focus on occupational health is a widely recognised need to map and analyse the causal relationships between working conditions and occupational health.
This knowledge, which is only achieved through long-term, comprehensive research, will provide a baseline for preventive measures. 
This knowledge, which is only achieved through long-term, comprehensive research, will provide a baseline for preventive measures.
Thus, it is imperative to identify the factors contributing to sick leave and exclusion. 
Thus, it is imperative to identify the factors contributing to sick leave and exclusion.
Both the physical as well as the psycho-social aspects of the work environment call for attention in this work. 
Both the physical as well as the psycho-social aspects of the work environment call for attention in this work.
With respect to the latter aspect, the programme aims at mapping the relationship between health and factors such as demand/control in everyday tasks, and autonomy and authority in work – factors known to be associated with musculoskeletal disorders and quite possibly also with psychological ailments. 
With respect to the latter aspect, the programme aims at mapping the relationship between health and factors such as demand/control in everyday tasks, and autonomy and authority in work – factors known to be associated with musculoskeletal disorders and quite possibly also with psychological ailments.
The new programme will also address the relationships between health and organisational issues such as reorganisations and downsizing. 
The new programme will also address the relationships between health and organisational issues such as reorganisations and downsizing.
Another increasingly important factor in this organisational area is working time arrangements and the extent to which varying working conditions are systematically gender specific. 
Another increasingly important factor in this organisational area is working time arrangements and the extent to which varying working conditions are systematically gender specific.
As you may have noticed during this conference, the issue of a more inclusive labour market is prominent in both the current political and academic discourse. 
As you may have noticed during this conference, the issue of a more inclusive labour market is prominent in both the current political and academic discourse.