Failings in protection of care workers
In the media image: Georg Arthur Pflueger on Unsplash
Three quarters of Dutch care workers experience aggression at work. Barend Barentsen, an expert in workplace accidents and work-related illness, tells ‘Zembla’ that employers fail in providing aftercare to staff who have been injured or suffer from PTSD or stress.
Investigative TV programme Zembla has revealed that many care institutions lack structural measures and fail to provide adequate support for staff. According to the law, an employer must provide a safe workplace for its employees, including holding a risk inventory. In practice, however, this seems to be lacking at many institutions.
Barentsen says that ‘there are serious failings when it comes to protecting workers in the care sector.’ Collective labour agreements provide little in the way of regulations to help victims of aggression. Employees could face financial difficulties if they are unable to work. One solution is for them to hold their employer liable, but doing so often leads to a drawn-out legal battle. If the claim ultimately succeeds, there are huge financial consequences with claims being paid out that run into the millions. Barentsen also warns that the number of claims is only 'the tip of the iceberg' and the problem of aggression in the workplace is probably much worse.
More information?
Watch the BNN VARA Zembla broadcast (in Dutch)