The HSE look after health and safety in nuclear installations and mines, factories, farms, hospitals and schools, offshore gas and oil installations, the safety of the gas grid and the movement of dangerous goods and substances, railway safety, and many other aspects of the protection both of workers and the public. Local authorities are responsible to HSC for enforcement in offices, shops and other parts of the services sector.

The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate is an independent State administration body reporting to the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy.

On 1 January 2004, the NPD was divided into two new, independent agencies, the NPD and the Petroleum Safety Authority Norway. The NPD's new organisation entered into force in the spring of 2004.