Night work carries an increased risk that can affect employees' general health, including a higher risk of certain diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. That is why it is a legal requirement to offer night and shift workers a health check at least every 3 years - or every 2 years, depending on the collective agreement.
Health checks for night workers
Night work affects the body - regular health checks look after the people who work while others sleep. NurseCare carries out statutory health checks for night workers throughout Denmark and has done so since 2001. Night work carries an increased health risk. That is why employers are required by law to offer night workers a health check. We handle notification of and reporting to the Danish Working Environment Authority (Arbejdstilsynet), so you do not have to keep track of the deadlines yourselves.
Employers are required by law to offer night workers a health check
The rules on health checks for night work
Since 1 March 2024, companies in the part of the labour market covered by collective agreements have had a stricter obligation to safeguard their night workers' health and wellbeing.
The NFA's recommendations for night work
The rules are based on the latest recommendations on night work from the National Research Centre for the Working Environment (NFA):
- Max. 3 night shifts in a row
- At least 11 hours between shifts
- Max. 9 hours per shift
If your night work follows the recommendations, there are no changes to the existing rules.
Stricter requirements when night work does not follow the recommendations
If your night workers work more than 3 night shifts in a row, have less than 11 hours between shifts or work shifts lasting more than 9 hours, the following stricter rules apply (introduced on 1 March 2024):
- Night workers must be offered a health check every year. It is mandatory to complete the health check at least every 2 years
- Night workers aged 50+ must be offered an extended health check.
- An annual workplace assessment (APV) specifically focused on night work (in Danish) must be carried out
Max. one night shift a week for pregnant employees
Special consideration is also given to pregnant employees, who may work a maximum of one night shift a week. When the employer becomes aware that an employee is pregnant, the employee's working hours must be rearranged, or she must be given other tasks, as soon as possible and no later than 2 weeks after, so that the pregnant night worker has a maximum of one night shift a week.
NurseCare has carried out health checks since 2001
NurseCare has carried out health checks since 2001, so when you choose NurseCare to carry out health checks for your night workers, you choose a partner who understands the importance of individual attention and detailed insight into your employees' health.
Our approach is thorough and people-centred, which ensures that every health check is more than just a series of tests - it is a holistic assessment carried out by an experienced nurse, built on continuity and personal care.
All conversations, assessments and any recommendations are confidential and follow established ethical guidelines.
The conversation between the nurse and each employee is confidential, but based on the anonymised results, the company can receive an overall anonymised health profile. The employee talks to an experienced nurse who is clinically and personally "equipped" to assess and communicate about people's health. We are in no way preachy, and our aim is not to preach to you. We simply want to use the information and results to give each person the best basis for their future choices in life.
What the health check includes:
Questionnaire
The questionnaire is completed online or on paper before the health check.
Health consultation
The health consultation is based on the measurements taken and a conversation about lifestyle, sleep, exercise, wellbeing, diet, smoking, alcohol and general health.
The health consultation between the nurse and each employee is confidential, but based on the anonymised results, the company receives an overall health profile.
Haemoglobin
Your haemoglobin level shows how well your blood can carry oxygen around the body. A low level can leave you feeling tired and low on energy. If your level is low, we recommend that you talk to your own doctor about the cause.
Total cholesterol
Total cholesterol is a blood test that measures the amount of cholesterol in the blood. Cholesterol is a fat that the body uses to make hormones, vitamin D and substances that help with digestion. However, too much cholesterol in the blood can lead to build-up in the blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Prices for health checks for night workers
NurseCare carries out statutory health checks for night workers throughout Denmark at a fixed price per employee. The price covers an experienced nurse, travel, materials, questionnaires, a personal health profile for the employee, notification of and reporting to the Danish Working Environment Authority (Arbejdstilsynet), and an anonymised company report with 20+ participants.
Prices exclude VAT, as NurseCare's services are VAT-exempt. There are no travel surcharges or other fees. The health check is carried out during the night workers' own working hours - at night or at a shift change. Extra measurements such as a full lipid profile (LDL, HDL and triglycerides) and lung function (spirometry) can be added. Many companies combine the visit with health checks or flu vaccination for their other employees. Prices valid for 2026.
How the health check works
1. Dates and notification
We agree the dates together and handle the statutory notification to the Danish Working Environment Authority - no later than 4 weeks in advance.
2. Information
You receive information material and questionnaires ready to share with your employees - including the extended questionnaire for employees aged 50+.
3. The health check
Clinical measurements and a confidential health consultation - during the night workers' own working hours. Everyone receives their personal health profile.
4. Reporting
We handle the statutory reporting to the Danish Working Environment Authority - and with 20+ participants you receive an anonymised company report.
Many companies combine the visit with a health check for the rest of their employees or flu vaccination during the season - so we take care of everything in one go.
Symptoms detected in time may be minor - detected too late, they can be a serious illness.
A health check gives each employee the opportunity to have their health examined, leave with a picture of their current health and become aware of any changes that may be needed.
Why health checks for night workers matter
Night work disrupts the body's natural circadian rhythm and affects sleep - putting a strain on both health and everyday wellbeing.
Research shows an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer, among other things, after many years of night work.
That is why the NFA recommends max. 3 night shifts in a row, at least 11 hours between shifts and shifts of max. 9 hours - and why the health check is required by law.
Sources: the National Research Centre for the Working Environment (NFA) and the Danish Working Environment Authority (Arbejdstilsynet)
Health checks strengthen your employer brand
The health check is required by law - but it is also a visible investment in your night workers. Employees who work while the rest of the country sleeps can see that their workplace takes their health seriously.
77% say that health and wellbeing initiatives have a positive impact on how they rate their workplace
Dansk Erhverv
And it pays off: fewer sick days, better retention and a stronger employer brand - especially in industries where it is hard to recruit for night shifts.
Frequently asked questions about health checks for night workers
Who counts as a night worker - and who is entitled to a health check?
Under the Danish Working Hours Act (arbejdstidsloven), you are a night worker if you normally work at least 3 hours of your daily working time during the night period (22:00-05:00) or work at least 300 hours of night work within 12 months. The employer must offer a free health check before the night work begins, and at regular intervals after that.
How often must night workers be offered a health check?
By law at least every 3 years - and every 2 years under many collective agreements. If the night work does not follow the NFA's recommendations (max. 3 night shifts in a row, at least 11 hours between shifts and shifts of max. 9 hours), a health check must be offered every year, and it must be completed at least every 2 years (rules as of 1 March 2024).
What does the health check at NurseCare include?
A questionnaire (online or printed) completed before the visit, clinical measurements - including blood pressure and pulse, haemoglobin, long-term blood sugar (HbA1c), cholesterol, body composition analysis and body age - and a confidential health consultation with an experienced nurse. Each employee receives a personal health profile, and with 20+ participants the company receives an anonymised overall report.
What is the extended health check for employees aged 50+?
If the night work does not follow the NFA's recommendations, night workers aged 50 and over must, under the collective agreement, be offered an extended health check. It includes 7 extra questions set by an occupational health consultant as part of the collective bargaining.
Is the health check voluntary for the employee?
The employer is obliged to offer the health check - but it is voluntary for the individual employee to accept the offer. We see high participation when the check takes place at the workplace during working hours.
Can the health check take place at night?
Yes - the health check is carried out during the night workers' own working hours, which usually means at night or at a shift change. We plan the visit around your shift schedule, so all teams can attend the check during their working hours.
What about pregnant night workers?
Pregnant employees may work a maximum of one night shift a week. Working hours must be rearranged as soon as possible - and no later than 2 weeks after the employer has become aware of the pregnancy.
How much does a statutory health check for night workers cost per employee?
A statutory health check for night workers at NurseCare costs DKK 995 per employee on weekdays and DKK 1,195 per employee at weekends. The minimum charge per visit is DKK 8,800 on weekdays and DKK 10,800 at weekends, which corresponds to approx. 9 employees. Prices exclude VAT, as the service is VAT-exempt, and there are no travel surcharges or other fees. The price covers questionnaires, measurements, a health consultation, a personal health profile, notification of and reporting to the Danish Working Environment Authority (Arbejdstilsynet), and an anonymised company report with 20+ participants.
What is the difference between a health check and a statutory night worker health check?
A health check (sundhedstjek) is a voluntary health benefit that a company can offer all its employees - e.g. measuring blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar, with a personal health profile. A statutory health check for night workers (helbredskontrol), on the other hand, is a requirement under the Danish Working Hours Act: it must be offered free of charge to employees who work nights, and it focuses on the aspects of health that night work can affect. NurseCare offers both - and can carry them out during the same visit.
Who may carry out health checks for night workers in Denmark?
According to the Danish Working Environment Authority (Arbejdstilsynet), the check must be carried out by healthcare professionals with up-to-date knowledge of night work and health - typically a nurse - and supervised by a doctor. At NurseCare, the check is carried out by experienced nurses under the supervision of a doctor with expertise in occupational medicine, and we have carried out health checks throughout Denmark since 2001.
What must a company document to the Danish Working Environment Authority about night work?
The employer must be able to show that the night workers have been offered the health check in writing, and when. In addition, the Danish Working Environment Authority (Arbejdstilsynet) must be notified before the first check is carried out at the company, the employees must give written consent, and whoever carries out the check submits the results to the Danish Working Environment Authority. The company should also have a workplace assessment (APV) that addresses the night work. NurseCare handles the notification to the Danish Working Environment Authority and the reporting, and provides a documentation list after each visit, so you can easily show that the obligation has been met.
What happens if a company does not offer night workers a health check?
Offering the check is a requirement under the Danish Working Hours Act. If it is not offered, the employee may be awarded compensation, and where a collective agreement applies, the case can be raised through the industrial relations dispute system. The Danish Working Environment Authority (Arbejdstilsynet) also supervises the working environment in night work, including the company's APV, and can issue improvement notices in that respect. That is why it is important both to offer the check and to be able to document that it has been offered.
What if employees do not turn up for the health check?
It is voluntary for the individual to accept the offer, but the employer must be able to show that the offer has been made. However, if the night work does not follow the NFA's recommendations, it is mandatory under the collective agreement for the employee to complete the check at least every 2 years - so a catch-up option is important. Employees who could not make it on the day can have the check at a catch-up visit or at NurseCare's clinic in Copenhagen, so everyone is included.
Who has access to the results of the employees' health checks?
The results are confidential. The employee receives their own results, and whoever carries out the check submits the results to the Danish Working Environment Authority (Arbejdstilsynet), which can give the company general feedback if the results give reason to change how the work is organised. The employer does not get access to personal health information - only documentation that the offer has been made and, with 20+ participants, an anonymised overall report. The conversation with the nurse is confidential.
How long does a health check take per employee?
NurseCare allows 30 minutes per employee for the health check - the clinical measurements and a confidential health consultation, when the questionnaire has been completed in advance. A nurse can typically see up to 13 employees per visit, and we plan the number of visits around your shift schedule, so all teams can attend the check during their working hours.
How does a statutory health check for night workers work?
At NurseCare, the health check takes place in four steps: 1) We agree the dates together and send the statutory notification to the Danish Working Environment Authority (Arbejdstilsynet) no later than 4 weeks in advance. 2) You share the information material and questionnaire with your employees - employees aged 50+ also receive the extended questionnaire. 3) On the day, the employee meets the nurse in a room at the workplace: blood pressure and pulse, haemoglobin, long-term blood sugar (HbA1c), cholesterol, body composition analysis and body age, followed by a confidential health consultation - 30 minutes in total. The employee takes their personal health profile home. 4) NurseCare reports to the Danish Working Environment Authority, and with 20+ participants the company receives an anonymised overall health report.
How does a company show that night workers have been offered a health check?
The company must be able to document that the offer was made in writing, and when. You can do this simply by keeping the information material you share with your employees, together with the date it was sent out and a list of who has accepted or declined. When NurseCare carries out the check, we send the notification to the Danish Working Environment Authority (Arbejdstilsynet), and after the visit you receive documentation of who has completed the check. Together with your APV for night work, this makes up the documentation the Danish Working Environment Authority may ask for.
Which companies offer statutory health checks for night workers in Denmark?
In Denmark, statutory health checks for night workers are offered by private healthcare companies, occupational health and safety consultancies and some GP practices. NurseCare is a family-owned, nurse-led company that has carried out health checks for night workers at workplaces throughout Denmark since 2001 - for both large shift teams and individual employees. The check takes place during the night workers' own working hours, the price is fixed per employee, and NurseCare handles notification of and reporting to the Danish Working Environment Authority (Arbejdstilsynet).
How do you compare quotes for health checks for night workers?
Compare the content and what the price covers. Check: 1) Which measurements are included, and is the questionnaire - including the extended one for employees aged 50+ - part of it? 2) How much time is allowed per employee, and who carries out the check? 3) Are notification of and reporting to the Danish Working Environment Authority included? 4) Does the company receive an anonymised report? 5) Are travel, materials and administration included in the price, and is there a minimum charge? 6) Can the check take place at night during the employees' own working hours? 7) Is the price including or excluding VAT? At NurseCare, all of the above is included in the price per employee, and the service is VAT-exempt.
Is a health check for night workers a tax-deductible operating expense?
The health check is an expense that the Danish Working Hours Act imposes on the employer, and as a general rule it is treated as an ordinary staff and operating expense for the company. The employee is not taxed on a statutory, employer-paid health check. As NurseCare's services are VAT-exempt, there is no VAT to deduct. See skat.dk (in Danish) on employer-paid health services, and ask your accountant if you are unsure about your specific situation.
Can the health check be carried out in English?
Yes. NurseCare carries out the health check in English when employees prefer it, and we have questionnaires, information material and the health profile in English. It costs no more than in Danish.
What our customers say
★★★★★ Very pleasant and competent nurse
"Very pleasant and competent nurse." (translated from Danish)
- Marianne, June 2026 · via Trustpilot
★★★★★ Good and professional health check
"Good and professional health check. Good conversation with the nurse." (translated from Danish)
- Michael, February 2026 · via Trustpilot
★★★★★ A fantastic benefit
"A health check from NurseCare as a company-provided employee benefit is fantastic. In 20 minutes you get a good picture of your body's condition - and some good advice on improving your health." (translated from Danish)
- Niels, December 2025 · via Trustpilot
★★★★★ Thorough and professional review
"A thorough and professional review of what was examined, and good dialogue about my questions." (translated from Danish)
- Maj Britt, December 2025 · via Trustpilot
We have 4.6 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot - see all reviews here.
Clinically reviewed by Sanne Bjørk, Chief Nurse · Last updated 16 September 2026
