Hans Karlsson has responded to SVT's review of how the authority has acted on the requirements for oral protection in the elderly care. The review has shown how the Swedish Work Environment Authority has softened its attitude after pressure from the employer side, which wanted to see an adaptation to the MFA's milder recommendations. Neither union nor security representative was allowed to participate in the process.
- If you want to meet the parties you call the parties, you do not sit with just one. Then one can be considered biased. Then you lose confidence completely, says Hans Karlsson.
Pity the colleaguesThe authority's management claims that they have not given in to any pressure. But a now deleted email shows that they wanted to "line up with the Public Health Authority" to avoid a "difficult debate" on conflicting messages.
- We post what other authorities recommend so that it becomes a good whole when we make our independent decision, says Director General Erna Zelmin-Ekenhem to SVT.
- The work has previously stood for its position, replies Hans Karlsson.
He is retired today and says he feels sorry for the colleagues who are still working.
- As an inspector in the field, you have to make many difficult decisions, and then you have to have confidence that you have the support of the management. If someone then knocks me on the shoulder and says that I also have to take into account other authorities - what foot should I stand on?
Hear the interview with Hans Karlsson in the video above.
See SVT's review of the oral protection business here.