Danish Judges Accused of Demeaning Staff, Workplace Safety Agency Issues Order

Judges at the Sønderborg Court in Denmark are accused of demeaning and offending employees, creating a work environment so toxic that staff risk becoming seriously ill. Denmark's Arbejdstilsynet, the Workplace Safety Agency, has issued an immediate order addressing the hazardous working conditions.

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You're not smart enough for that.

The agency's findings detail "offensive actions" by judges, who reportedly exhibit anger, make demeaning and hurtful remarks, and engage in criticism and outright ignoring of staff. One judge is quoted as having said to an employee, "You're not smart enough for that."

Arbejdstilsynet's assessment indicates that employees are exposed to significant danger due to prolonged exposure to offensive behavior and unclear or contradictory demands. This sustained exposure, the agency warns, carries a risk of staff developing serious illnesses.

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The work exposes employees to significant danger, as they are so affected by long-term exposure to offensive actions and unclear/contradictory demands that there is a risk of employees becoming seriously ill.

Peter Uhrskov, the president of the court, stated that management takes the situation very seriously. He indicated that the court plans to review and address issues such as the current workload, aiming to rectify the problematic workplace dynamics.

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Management takes the situation very seriously, and we will look at, among other things, the current workload.