Omega SOLUTIONS FOR ENTREPRENEURS - CHRISTIAN ORRU Trade Union Representative at Follobanen Project - Polish Connection
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
omega SOLUTIONS FOR ENTREPRENEURS
IN NORWAY
ISSUE 13
|
OCTOBER 2018 - MARCH 2019
FREE COPY
CHRISTIAN ORRU
Trade Union Representative
at Follobanen Project
Dear Readers,
Autumn is coming and with it come the last tax assessments.
We invite all taxpayers, especially those who are not satisfied
with Tax Office’s decision, to read our article about compla-
ints. We also recommend interview with our guest Christian
Orru, who talks about trade unions in Norway.
Entrepreneurs may be interested in possibilities given by Nor-
way we write about. In this issue we have vital information
about sentral godkjenning, which can help building compa-
nies to succeed on the Norwegian market. Businesses lo-
oking for green solutions should definitely get familiar with
The Explorer – a new solution, called “Tinder for the entre-
preneurs”. If you use machines, we recommend our Partner’s
article about predictive maintenance.
After reading our article about current situation with skilled
workers in Norway you will stay tuned and be prepared for
any problems that can await you, and our text about procedu-
res after the accident at work will help you take proper action Aleksandra F. Eriksen
when something happens. We wish such accidents and pro-
Chairman of the Board
blems never occur to any of our Readers, but it is always bet-
ter to be prepared, both for colder times and for challenges. Omega Accounting AS
Have a good read! & Polish Connection
Table of Contents
Why are the trade unions so important and what is their main goal?
– Interview with Christian Orru – Magdalena Polakowska 3.
Workforce shortage – rising demand for skilled employees – Magdalena Bielecka 5.
Tax Appeals – Izabela Połeć 6.
The Explorer – for the entrepreneurs – Magdalena Ułas 8.
What is Sentral Godkjenning and why is it worth to acquire it – Paweł Boruń 9.
Accident at work – what procedures to follow? – Magdalena Ułas 12.
What can predictive maintenance do for You? – ABAX 14.
omega SOLUTIONS FOR ENTREPRENEURS
IN NORWAY
Chief Editor: Beata Iwancio-Jóskowska Editorial Office:
Polish Connection Sp. z o.o.
Translation: Olga Zawada, Magdalena Ułas Antoniego Abrahama 37/3
81-366 Gdynia, Poland
Graphic design & printing: Marek Sulej, www.dorkassa.pl +48 58 727 05 55; +47 67 41 24 70
www.polishconnection.no
ISSUE 13
Emails to the Editor: marketing@polishconnection.no
|
OCTOBER 2018 - MARCH 2019
Editorial team does not return unordered texts or editorial materials
Cover photo: Christian Orru and is not responsible for the content of the advertisements.
FREE COPY
CHRISTIAN ORRU
Trade Union Representative
at Follo Banen Project
Magdalena Polakowska
Why are the trade unions so
important and WHAT is their
main goal? – Interview with
Christian Orru
It is said that in Norway the Trade Unions have greater influence on employment than
in any other countries. More than a half of Norway’s employees are members of unions
and this trend also spreads to the foreign workers in Norway. Christain Orru – Trade
Union Representative at Follobanen Project, which is currently one of the most largest
ones in Norway and has a consecutive amount of foreign workers, tells us about the
core role of the unions and also about their mission.
Magdalena: Christian, what ry Eirik Wangen Naess and the ked in Norway are not aware of
made you to become the Trade construction coordinator John- how the Norwegian labour sys-
Unions’ representative at Fol- ny Myrvold that works in the tem works or that they are enti-
lobanen? NAF head office, who, together tled to any kind of benefits from
with my colleagues helped me the Norwegian social system,
Christian: I have worked abro-
become the main representati- they don’t know the procedu-
ad for many years without ha-
ve. Here at Follobanen Project res for obtaining those benefits
ving any trade union assistan-
we have more than 500 foreign either, and even in such ca-
ce, suffering injustice for a long
time. I had my first contact with workers, and we have no pro- ses without any obligation we
the unions in Danimarca, whe- blems with executing our rights have provided our assistance
re I started to see the positive thanks to the perfect organiza- to those categories of workers
changes regarding our rights tional system of the NAF and thanks also to the precious col-
as foreign workers, and after a the excellent Norwegian sys- laboration with Polish Connec-
long friendship and collabora- tem. tion that followed our workers
tion I realized that I wanted to in all their steps concerning the
Magdalena: Why are the Trade
give my contribution. When I tax return doing excellent work.
Unions so important especial-
arrived to Norway, I immediate- It is important that the workers
ly on big costruction sites and
ly had the chance to become a see us not only as an institution
what is their main role?
part of this reality. Here I have that works with them but also
received a great amount of sup- Christian: In general, foreign as a point of reference for their
port from NAF District Secreta- workers who have never wor- initial stay in Norway. I perso-
3
of stress resiliance and psycho-
logical health. But that does not
discourage me at all. I will keep
on going because I believe in
the importance of what we do.
Magdalena: Does being a Trade
Union representative influence
your private life?
Christian: Of course, it has in-
fluenced my private life for the
better, it made me discover a
great determination to achieve
the objectives and gives me sa-
tisfaction and pride. It showed
me that all those values and
feelings may come out from
helping other people and being
able to give assistance.
nally, by my free choice, am ful- the documentation they need Magdalena: What are your
ly available to the workers that as well as their benefits and aid plans for the future?
I represent, including Saturdays for families.
and Sundays, because I believe Christian: Integrate myself
Magdalena: What’s the most 100% in Norway and become a
in my work and I’m proud of it
challenging part in your work? solid part of the workers’ union
(smile).
Christian: The most deman- system. Continue to grow in
Magdalena: What are the most that environment.
ding part of our work is mainly
common problems employees
based on the fact that we must Christian, thank you very much
on Follobanen Project turn to
always be up-to-date about the for this interview!
you with?
laws and always have the infor-
Christian: They often come mation ready for our members, As we all see from this inter-
with personal or collective di- but not only that – the psycho- view, Trade Unions’ core goal is
sputes that occur with the logical factor is fundamental to to help foreign workers to un-
employer. Those are the most support and face various me- derstand their rights and to exe-
common ones. Solving those etings with companies that are cute them. They help not only
issues takes time but after tar- often long and very stressful. with understanding the collecti-
geted meetings we can always Our position is therefore very ve agreement in force but also
find the most suitable solution. sensitive among companies with understanding the Norwe-
The workers often turn to me and workers. We are a bridge gian environment and culture
for help not only in understan- between the employer and the and Norway’s social backgro-
ding our collective agreement employee which means we und. We hope that in the future
or their rights but also for gene- have to understand both and there will be a lot more Trade
ral help, for example, an expla- understanding both is not an Unions` representatives like
nations of the paycheck, help easy task. I guess being in that Christian, fully devoted to his
on the various steps to obtain position demands a great deal work and beliefs.
4
Magdalena Bielecka
Workforce shortage –
rising demand for skilled
employees
Scandinavian companies which rely on foreign workforce face rising demand for skilled
employees. Norway, which uses international workforce as well (with many employees
coming from Poland and Lithuania, for example), is in top five of countries struggling
with qualified workforce shortage.
A
ccording to the Norwe- ighbouring countries as well. concerns the entire country,
gian Statistics Office with Oslo leading the ran-
Studies show that by year 2030
(Statistisk sentralbyrå), king of employees shortages.
the number of working-age pe-
14% of country’s population ople will decrease across the Companies based in Oslo are
are immigrants. There are aro- entire European Union. This 8 500 people short. Companies
und 100 000 Poles, 40 000 Li- trend is especially visible in operating in Nordland, Aker-
thuanians, and 35 000 Swedes many eastern European coun- shus and Finmark have had se-
in Norway, and the majority of tries. Research shows the de- rious recruitment issues in the
them are labour migrants. Oil crease of people between the past three months as well.
crisis of 2016 was responsible ages of 16-64 in Poland, where
The biggest demand for work-
for the decrease of labour mi- the researchers predict a decre-
grants arriving in Norway. force is in healthcare: there
ase by 3 000 000 people.
are 4 500 nurses required in
According to the Danish eco- In the beginning of the year Norway (an increase of 3 600
nomic research, the migration NAV has carried out an annual since 2017). There is high de-
labour market might face incre- questionnaire to judge the com- mand for carpenters, shipyard
ased competition due to em- panies’ expectations concer- workers, welders, electricians,
ployees shortages. ning workforce requirements in general contractors, engineers,
Lack of qualified workforce is the upcoming year. Majority of and IT professionals.
caused by European-wide eco- firms participating in the survey
expected rise in employment. If you want to enter Norwegian
nomic boom. Employment op-
workforce, are running a con-
portunities are now available in The research suggests that
struction company or employ
many eastern European coun- Norwegian companies are
qualified workforce — get in to-
tries. For example, unemploy- 44 000 employees short, which
uch with us!
ment in Poland is down to 4.9% corresponds to 30% increase
in 2017 from 10.3% in 2013. in demand compared to the Sources:
There is a similar dynamics of previous year. Expect Hor- www.e24.no
unemployment decrease in ne- daland region, the problem www.nettavisen.no
5
Izabela Połeć
Tax Appeals
In 2018, the tax assessment notices in Norway should be published on June 27th,
August 15th and October 24th. The tax return is usually paid in the period of no longer
than 3 weeks after the tax assessment publication dates, while any additional tax
payments must be made in two instalments, with the dates for each payment specified
on payment forms (giro). If you don’t agree with the tax settlement, you can lodge a
formal appeal. Anyone who received tax assessment notice (skatteoppgjør) can lodge
an appeal. If the tax has been underpaid (restskatt) you must pay the full amount before
lodging the appeal. If tax office accepts your complaint, the money will be returned into
your account (both the sum you have paid and any other money the tax office owes
you - skatt til gode).
T
he appeal can be made made in 2015 and in earlier nal tax deduction, being moved
6 weeks after the tax as- years. Please note that you can to a different tax class, or cor-
sessment notices have appeal against decisions made rection made of minstefradrag
been officially published. The about tax forms submitted up and so on. The form of cor-
tax office has 3 months to look to 3 years ago, however, the tax rection differs. If the taxpayer
into the appeal and make their office might refuse to look into received their tax assessment
decision. However, the appe- old tax assessment notices wi- notice (Skatteoppgjør 2017)
al is made after the deadline, thout a valid cause. without any additional docu-
but before a year has passed In 2017 Norwegian tax office ments or decisions - then they
since the tax assessment no- has introduced some changes need to make use of the form
tices have been published, you - taxpayers can either edit their RF-1030. If you are making
will have to wait longer for it to submitted tax forms or make an your appeal against a decision
be examined by the tax office. appeal. Tax office differentiates made in 2016, you need to use
What is more, in order to ensure between tax return edition (en- RF-1366 form (Endringsmel-
that your appeal is looked into, dre og levere skattemeldingen) ding for formues-og inntekts-
you should make sure to expla- and appeal (klage). skatt 2016).
in why it has been delayed and
Difference between tax form Skattemelding for formue-
apologise for your tardiness.
edition and tax appeal og inntektsskatt – personlig
You can submit your complaint
næringsdrivende mv (RF-1030)
online, using the Altinn system, As far as the taxpayer is con-
or by post, sending it to the ap- cerned — there is no difference RF-1030 form looks like any
propriate tax office. In previous at all. In both cases you submit standard tax form — you sho-
years you could use RF-1117 a complaint against the result uld fill in the appropriate spaces
form to make a formal appeal of the tax assessment and ask and apply for tax deductions
(Klage på myndighetenes fast- for changes to be introduced so and attach documents confir-
setting av formues- og inntekts- that your tax return is re-exami- ming you are eligible for the de-
skatt) and the form is still in use ned by the tax office — whether ductions you asked for. Having
when it comes to tax returns by asking to be granted additio- received the form, the tax office
6has 3 months to make its de- assessment notice, in the top Tax arrears payment procedu-
cision and send you your new right-hand side (skatteklasse 1 re: restskatt
tax documents. Sometimes the or skatteklasse 2). People who- - Under 100 NOK – does not
office requires additional docu- se spouses have not earned apply
mentation, and you should pro- more that 46 640 NOK (approxi-
vide it immediately. Remember mately 21 297 PLN) are eligible - Under 1000 NOK – must be
to provide the tax office with payed 3 weeks after the tax as-
for II tax class. Year 2017 is the
case reference number, which sessment notices have been
last time you could be eligible
will be provided on the docu- published
for skatteklasse 2.
ments you received from the
- 1000 NOK and more – payed
tax office. Basic tax deductions: fradrag
in two instalments due 3 and 8
Klage på vedtak (rapporter med It is worth checking if you got weeks after the tax assessment
fødselsnummer) (RF-1364) all tax deductions you applied notices have been published –
for in your skattemelding for skatteoppgjør.
If your tax office has sent you
2017. In your tax forms, in co-
your tax assessment form to- Klage på forskuddstrekk
gether with a relevant case re- lumn called Utskrift av liknin-
gen and in column called fra Sometimes in the prelimina-
ference number and decision
Skattemeldingen you can find ry tax return (skattemelding)
explaining the tax return, you
all tax deductions you applied does not take into the account
can make your appeal using
to get. In the column called Lik- tax advance which has been
RF-1364 form. The letter from
the office should contain ap- ningsgrunnlag or Grunnlag for deducted by the employer. It
peal deadline as well as letter fastsetting you will find the tax might also be the case that the
reference number you should deductions granted by the tax advance listed is actually lower
refer to in your appeal. The office. If the amounts you find than that listed on the lønnslip
correction (made on a separa- in these columns differ from and annual tax report made by
te sheet) along with the rema- one another, you might not have the employer. Your tax office
ining documentation should be been granted all tax deductions must be notified about these in-
attached to the form. The form you asked for. We recommend consistencies immediately and
should contain case reference you to check why. you should ask the officials to
number and a brief description look into them, so that the mat-
of the case, as there is no space Tax deduction for the amount ter can be rectified. Your appe-
for detailed information about of time spent in Norway: min- al should explain the situation
the nature of the appeal. Tax of- stefradrag and contain relevant lønnslip
fice has 3 months to review the It is often the case that the documents as well as annual
appeal and make its decision minstefradrag is calculated as tax reports from your employer
(either partly or entirely appro- either too high or too low. This /employers, which will confirm
ve of your appeal or reject the deduction works similarly to the that tax advances have been
case entirely). Having reached Polish tax deductible expenses, docked from your salary. This
its decision, the tax office will appeal should be sent to the tax
but is not an equivalent. Lowe-
send you relevant documents. collector (kemnerkontor) rather
red minstefradrag often results
What you need to pay attention in tax being underpaid, while an than tax office.
to after receiving your tax as- increased minstefradrag would If you have any questions or
sessment notice: Has our tax mean that the taxpayer will re- concerns, please do not hesita-
been calculated in the appro- ceive a tax return they are not te to get in touch with our offi-
priate tax bracket? eligible for. In both cases, it falls ces in Gdynia or Warsaw, where
Tax bracket should be speci- to the taxpayer to rectify these we will be happy to explain the
fied on the first page of your tax errors. inexplicable :).
7Magdalena Ułas
The Explorer – «Tinder»
for the entrepreneurs
On the 31st May Norwegian prime minister Erna Solberg presented The Explorer during
Innovasjonstalen in Oslo. Development of such an utility was her government’s idea in
the first place. The purpose of The Explorer is to increase export of Norwegian green
solutions by matching them with international customers.
A
s Erna Solberg and Ani- ster their own solutions if they
ta Krohn Traaseth from only meet the requirements,
utility’s developer Inno- which are:
vation Norway say, Norway’s
The company must comply
green technology is first class with good business practice
and The Explorer shall help to
The solution must include one
reach the expanding market of
or more of the UN’s sustainable
sustainable low-emission solu-
development goals
tions, such as electrification of members represent following
maritime transport. entities: Equinor, Yara, Statkraft, The solution must contribute to
DNB, DNV GL, NHO, LO, Abelia, the green change.
The Explorer will be part of the
bigger brand Merkevaren Norge. Norge 203040, Norwegian Se- It is free to register one’s solu-
One can find there for example afood Council, Virke, Norwe- tions, but the registered propo-
a brand center with information gian Shipowners’ Association, sitions undergo quality check
about Norway and Norwegian Norwegian Environment Agen- before the procedure is fini-
business, export-oriented busi- cy, Finans Norge, GCE Blue shed.
ness programs and presence Maritime Cluster, Fostech AS, The registered solutions alre-
on international events. Utility’s Grieg Group, X Four-10, Zero, ady include Yara’s electric con-
concept, form and criteria for Ministry of Trade, Industry and tainer ship, Glitna’s sustainable
content and companies’ partici- Fisheries, Ministry of Climate fish farm, Equinor’s floating
pation were decided after talks and Environment and Innova- wind farm Hywind, and Scan-
with industry representants, Mi- tion Norway. ship’s solution for converting
nistry of Trade, Industry and Fi- In the beginning the new utility waste on ships to fuel.
sheries and Ministry of Climate contained 40 ecological solu-
and Environment. tions for energy and sea indu- Sources:
A strategic council was created stry. From the 31 May it is po-
st www.theexplorer.no
to support the program. The ssible for all companies to regi- www.innovasjonnorge.no
8Paweł Boruń
What is Sentral Godkjenning
and why IS IT worth
to acquire it?
Sentral godkjenning is the equivalent of Polish construction qualifications and permits to
work in construction industry. Any company, which is granted these permits can acquire
better and more profitable contracts in Scandinavia because sentral godkjenning (later
in this text abbreviated to SG) is officially certified by the Norwegian National Office of
Building Technology and Administration (DIBK) and companies have to comply with
strict conditions in order to obtain SG.
Brief background competences have been made that quality is the main aspect
more precise and requirements considered at public procure-
The idea of centralising the pro-
were made more clear. Accor- ment processes in Norway.
cess of granting construction
ding to new guidelines, SG can Consequently, obtaining the-
qualifications is quite new, as it
be granted only to companies se qualifications improves the
was born and implemented in
which are known or their con- company’s standing in the Nor-
1997. Initially there were two le-
scientious work and follow the wegian construction market.
vels at which SG could be obta-
most recent construction regu-
ined - central and local, with the Who grants SG?
lations. Current logo of the pro-
latter being granted only for the DIBK (Norwegian National Offi-
gram is golden. What is more,
duration of running construc- ce of Building Technology and
local godkjenning have been
tion project. However, all chan- abolished. Administration) is the body
ged in 2012. Simultaneously, a responsible for granting con-
Striving for top quality
new, red logo was introduced. struction qualifications. DIBK
You can use this logo until De- It seems that obtaining sentral is tasked with verifying compe-
cember 31st 2018. godkjenning is a must if a com- tences of the company applying
pany considers developing the- for SG. They check if the com-
Changes made in 2016
ir business on the Norwegian pany is solvent, if it has enough
Both: the process of granting market. Norwegians put em- qualified staff, and whether it
construction qualifications and phasis on good quality of servi- is legally registered to operate
visual identification of the pro- ces and items and construction in Norway and so on. What is
gram underwent significant work is no different. This claim more, the DIBK runs random
changes in 2016. Company can be supported by the fact checks of companies which
9have obtained SG in order to Architecture and design, lves with the HMS KS-System
verify their documentation and Fire safety, Soluton Leader (www.program.
business practices. Concrete and brick construc- soluton.no), which provides you
Duration and cost of SG tion, with detailed documents on the
Plumbing, very strict conditions governing
Sentral godkjenning is granted
Steel and metal construction, the SG process.
for a period of 3 years. It is ne-
cessary to apply for a new SG Wood construction and car- All documents are available in
after its expiration. You can also pentry, both Polish and Norwegian. It
apply for a higher class of con- Air conditioning and ventila- is worth mentioning that con-
struction qualifications, which tion,
struction business owners will
will only improve the company- Earthworks, have to complete various chec-
’s position on the market. The Modernisation work. klists, HSM routines and many
cost of SG is 3100 NOK per more requirements, which se-
year. Conditions of granting SG
ems to be the biggest obstacle
Main categories of qualifica- There are four main conditions
when applying for SG certificate.
tions that a company must fulfil in
order to qualify for SG. First of Detailed information about SG
There is three categories in all, it must employ workers who categories and requirements
which SG is granted (Tiltaks- are qualified in the area of tra- Category 1 – planning/desi-
klassene) de the company is applying for gning or application in a given
SØK – responsibility for project SG. For example, if a company trade area;
and application rights; applies for SG in first category
of wood carpentry trade, it ne- Requires master craftsman
PRO – responsibility for design;
eds to employ someone with a certificate and at least 4 years
UTF – responsibility for execu- journeyman qualification certi- of professional experience.
tion of a project. ficate (svennebrev). Moreover, Category 1 – execution in a gi-
An additional categorisation the company should present ven trade area;
applies as well, which takes into documentation confirming that
Requires journeyman certifi-
the account the function taken it has worked on, and comple-
during the control: ted at least 3 projects falling cate (svennebrev) and at least
into the chosen category in the 2 years of professional expe-
* KPR – responsibility for con-
space of 8 years. References rience.
trol of project process;
should be available for each Category 2 – planning/desi-
* KUT – responsibility for con- project. Furthermore, com- gning in a given trade area;
trol of execution of the project. pany’s manager/boss should
Requires an engineer certificate
Trade areas complete a mandatory mana-
gement course – the so called and at least 6 years of profes-
Another key piece of informa- sional experience.
HSM-kurs for daglig leder.
tion regarding the SG is the
trade areas it can be obtained Internal quality control system Category 2 – execution in a gi-
in. It is worth mentioning that ven trade area;
Another important aspect of
a company can apply for SG in Requires a master craftsman
the matter is introduction of an
different trade areas of its busi- certificate (mesterbrev) and at
effective internal quality con-
ness activity. least 3 years of professional
trol system. We encourage our
To name a few: readers to familiarise themse- experience.
10Category 3 – planning/desi- vant certificates can still hold way. The company provides
gning and application in a given the responsibility for the con- support and services in the area
trade area; struction process and opera- of architectural and construc-
tion. In order to be able to carry tion design, technical and legal
Requires a civil engineer diplo-
out a construction project, the consultations, aids its clients in
ma and at least 8 years of pro-
company should still fulfil all SG obtaining of Sentral Godkjen-
fessional experience.
conditions and requirements. ning (Norwegian construction
Category 3 – execution in a gi-
In order to begin construction qualifications) as well as offers
ven trade area;
project of any kind, a company a wide variety of courses for
Requires is engineer diploma
should submit an application to construction companies. What
and at least 5 years of profes-
the relevant body, which grants is more, Soluton AS provides
sional experience.
construction permits. Having electronic quality control sys-
Sentral godkjenning and re- obtained the permission from tem – Soluton Leader. Join us
sponsibility for a construction commune the company can on Facebook to stay up to date!
project begin its work.
We would like to finish off with Soluton AS is a Polish consul-
www.soluton.no
an interesting fact. A company ting firm offering services for
which did not obtain the rele- construction business in Nor- www.program.soluton.noMagdalena Ułas
Accident at work –
what procedures to follow?
Workplace accident might happen to anyone. When it comes to such accidents, foreign
employees lead in Norwegian rankings. What to do if a workplace accident in Norway
occurs?
Let’s start by saying that Nor- A copy of the form should be • Death.
wegian employers are obliged given to the health & safety in-
Employer is obliged not only
to provide all members of the- spector of the company as well.
to report the accident to the
ir staff with insurance against
Injuries classified as serious ac- police and Arbeidstilsynet, but
workplace accidents. It can be
cidents: also to enter the accident into
a Norwegian insurance, or an
• Head injury or concussion, the company accident register.
international insurance, which
which results in a loss of The register should contain the
must cover Norway. Employee
must take part in basic as well consciousness; description of the accident, its
as specific health & safety tra- time and date, its course, cau-
• Bone fractures (except for
ining. If the company employs ses and effects. The register
minor injuries such as fin-
more workers, there must be should be made available to
ger fractures);
a staff member qualified to be the health & safety inspectors,
health & safety inspector (ver- • Internal injuries; Arbeidstilsynet and any other
neombud). • Loss of limbs or other body control bodies.
Unfortunately, even the stric- parts; Each event should be reported
test health and safety regula- • Serious poisoning; to NAV, so that the employee
tions introduced by Norwegian can apply for the compensation
• Loss of consciousness
law cannot guarantee that there from NAV and/or from the insu-
(caused by oxygen deficien-
will be no workplace accidents. rance company. Deadline for
cy for example);
If an accident takes place, apart NAV report is 12 months after
from calling an ambulance or • Burns and frostbite (injuries the accident takes place.
taking the injured employee of face, hands, feet, genita-
As you can see, the employer’s
to the hospital, the employers lia area / 3rd degree burns
must comply with the following obligations are not limited to
and frostbite / lower degree
procedures. If the accident is calling an ambulance or brin-
injuries if they cover over
classified as serious, the police ging the injured party to the
5% of the body);
and Norwegian Labour Inspec- hospital. Fortunately, the offi-
• Hypothermia; ces which need to be informed
torate (Arbeidstilsynet) must be
notified immediately. First re- • Injuries requiring hospitali- of the accident can guide the
port can be made via the phone, sation (does not include a affected parties and provide
then a relevant form must be visit at the ER or daily cli- them with all the necessary do-
submitted to Arbeidstilsynet. nic); cumentation.
12UNLIMITED
calls to EU,
USA & Canada
BeFree
from 300kr per month
Other prices apply from Norway to countries not included, special numbers, offshore, ships and planes. Read more at mycall.noHow Predictive
Maintenance
of machinery
and equipment
can save a business money?
Photo.: Morten Rakke
Today’s organisations are under increased pressure to become more agile in a fast-
changing environment. Technology connects the workplaces like never before and
enables the implementation of detailed-planning activities to ensure operational
reliability and achieve business objectives. Large amounts of money are invested in
owning and operating machinery and equipment. Therefore, making smart decisions
in regards to high-value assets is essential to maintain profitability.
Preventive vs. predictive main- data collected, by sensors and ness owners see the value in a
tenance tasks remote monitoring while the proposition about investing in a
machine is running. Under- proactive approach to mainte-
There is an important distinc-
standing the importance of nance. Maintaining profitability
tion between preventive and
acting in anticipation of future is achieved by reducing the like-
predictive maintenance tasks. problems is the new trend and lihood of unscheduled down-
The former is performed, when business opportunity in assets time, in turn substantially mini-
the machine is out of service. management strategy. There- mising the expenditures, saving
The latter relies on real-time fore, the vast majority of busi- time and boosting efficiency.
14“One of our clients working in the the engine hours”, says Bjørn gine hours and the customer can
construction industry detected a André Hagen. get customized notifications via
malfunction with his machinery In addition, the company risks email and/or SMS. We have many
at a very early stage. Since the warranty loss, if the time or us- lift rental companies, which use
replacement of damage occurred age hours of the plant machin- our services to schedule different
during the scheduled mainte- ery exceed the factory require- alerts, since some parts need to
nance service, the firm was able ments. There are also different be changed based on usage time,
to fix the failure without any loss maintenance requirements others require service in a given
of productivity and cheaper than depending on the type of equip-
period of time”, says Bjørn André
it would have cost them if break- ment. A typical mini digger re-
down had occured”, says Bjørn Hagen.
quires a service after 50 hours
André Hagen, Product Owner of use, while big excavators Accurate invoicing based on
ABAX Equipment Control. can run longer, i.e. about 1500 equipment usage
Manual logging of the engine hours every year.
Rental companies sell their
hours can cost your business “Memorizing specific factory re- service agreements based on
a fortune quirements for different equip- the usage log, and they depend
It is required by law that all ment is time-consuming. There-
on working equipment to as-
machinery and equipment are fore, strategies that mitigate the
sure satisfaction and eliminate
properly maintained to ensure risk of outage duration and hu-
customer churn. However, at
employees` and others` health man error are preferable among
many managers”, explains Bjørn times, users may not log the
and safety. In case of inspec-
André Hagen. engine hours correctly, and the
tion, the company must be able
machinery could be used af-
to provide evidence of an up-to- Technological advances im-
ter working hours. Therefore,
date maintenance log, and that prove maintenance manage-
ment using telematics solutions to
operations can be carried out at
no risk. In case of damage, the monitor how much the equip-
New technologies facilitate ef-
company will be held liable if the ment is being used and when
fective resource management.
breakdown maintenance was it is being used is essential. If
By using any device connected
performed after the failure of to the Internet, the company service or maintenance are re-
equipment. Yet, many types of can receive access to telemat- quired during the rental period,
plant machinery have multiple ics data about their equipment. the customers can easily locate
operators. If an administrator This enables companies to gain the equipment using a digital
does not have precise data on full control over the equipment, map and contact the customer
their assets, they are not able to while also providing valuable ahead of required maintenance
know for how many hours the information such as how often time.
equipment was already used. and for how long the machinery
has been used. This is particu- “One of our customers in the rent-
“Having more than one piece of
larly useful when the company al industry notifies their clients
equipment and remembering
operates at multiple sites, if the about upcoming services, sends
when the service is due can be
laborious. Tracking the running equipment is spread across out the technician and invoices
time of machinery manually is large areas or if it is rented out accordingly. For each machine
counterproductive, and firms are to subcontractors. they rent, they are able to sell ad-
looking for electronic logging de- “The ABAX 5 with usage log al- ditional yearly maintenance ser-
vices that automatically record lows to track the number of en- vice”, says Bjørn André Hagen.
15OMEGA ACCOUNTING AS
& Polish Connection
Connected to Norway since 2004
Are you looking DO YOU RUN A COMPANY Do You have questions
for accounting IN NORWAY OR HAVE concerning Norwegian
services? PLANS TO ESTABLISH ONE? complexities?
Entrust your matters to the experts
For over 14 years we have been specializing in counseling in the field of Norwegian tax regulations and labor law. Our offices
provide a wide range of accounting services for companies that run or intend to establish their business in Norway. More than
10 000 clients put their trust in us. Among them you will find individuals as well as large companies performing contracts in
Norway.
SERVICES DIRECTED TO COMPANIES: SERVICES DIRECTED TO INDIVIDUALS:
• Registration of companies • Tax settlements and appeals
• VAT representation • Applications for Norwegian social benefits and welfares
• Tax advisory services • UDI registration, family immigration
• Representation before the Tax Authorities • Translations and contacts with Norwegian institutions
• Services for foreign entities in Norway
• Full spectrum of accounting services
also for Norwegian companies.
Visit us in our offices:
Oslo Gdynia
Omega Accounting AS & Polish Connection | Hovfaret 8 Polish Connection Sp. z o.o. | 81-366 Gdynia | ul. Antoniego Abrahama 37/3
0275 Oslo (Skøyen) | post@omega-as.no | +47 22 52 26 00 office@polishconnection.no | tel. +48 587 270 555, tel. +47 67 41 24 70
Moss Warszawa
Omega Accounting AS & Polish Connection Polish Connection Sp. z o.o. | 00-805 Warszawa | Chmielna Business Center
Værftsgata 7 | 1511 Moss | post@omega-as.no | +47 92 05 52 96 ul. Chmielna 132/134 | lokal 309 | warszawa@polishconnection.no
tel. +48 221 021 999
Our office is located also in Romania. www.polishconnection.no | www.tax-back.no | www.omega-as.noYou can also read
