2023.05.29

Wise investments provide a secure and sustainable business environment

The article primarily criticizes the government's inability to help the country's companies in difficult economic times and emphasizes that the Swedish Work Environment Authority's proposal for certification requirements for boiler operators does not increase safety but instead is a cost burden of billions for companies. It also highlights the importance of reviewing the regulatory burden on companies to make it even easier. To some extent, we agree with the authors; more must be done to make it easier for companies, but reducing the requirements for inspection and certification is not the right way to go.

Let's start by addressing the substantive question in the article – is the proposal for certification of boiler operators unnecessary and mostly a cost for companies? The short answer is no.

The alleged cost burden for companies is greatly exaggerated. The own impact assessment that the authors refer to allegedly shows that the certification requirement would entail costs for a boiler of almost SEK 140,000 over a five-year period. This is not true as the calculation also includes the training for boiler operators, which is already required today. The actual cost of certification, which includes testing, certification and annual reporting, amounts to less than SEK 10,000 over five years. A relatively small amount to invest in to raise the level of knowledge and safety for your employees.

The statement that the boilers covered by the certification are no more dangerous than a regular residential boiler is also incorrect. A residential boiler is in principle maintenance-free and the owner fills up with fuel when necessary. The risks are relatively small, although not irrelevant, the handling is considerably less. The boilers that, according to the proposal, would require certification are monitored daily and require both knowledge and experience. Incorrect handling of these boilers can cause major bodily and material damage, of which there are several examples over the years. The Swedish Work Environment Authority has also established the risks in the investigation that forms the basis for the proposal.

The factual issue aside, the article highlights something much more important – the attitude towards the inspection industry. Inspection, control, certification and calibration are not a cost-driving redundant part of companies' operations. The Swedish system for accreditation and certification is well-functioning, a strong competitive advantage for both manufacturers and service providers and a prerequisite for a safe and long-term sustainable society.

To facilitate Swedish business and industry, the government and authorities should therefore focus on continuity and predictability rather than easing regulations that jeopardize safety.

When the proposal for certified boiler operators first came to light in 2016, companies and certification bodies prepared for the introduction. Up to 6,000 boiler operators were certified. Everything was in place. The decision was then postponed twice and the introduction is now at least another two years away. Planning your business in uncertain and volatile times is difficult as it is, and the inability of authorities to provide clear and well-founded information does not make it any easier.

If we are to have a secure and long-term sustainable business environment, we need to make wise choices and investments. It will cost money, but the bill for the opposite will certainly be more expensive.

Jorgen Backersgård, Chairman Swetic, Senior Vice President DEKRA
Hans Lindahl, member of Swetic, CEO Kiwa Certification AB
Thomas Holm, member Swetic, head of department certification, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden