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Too few work-related accidents reported to Netherlands Labour Authority

Many employers are unaware that work-related accidents must be reported immediately to the Netherlands Labour Authority (NLA) and therefore they neglect to do so. Therefore, there is often no investigation into the cause of an accident. The NLA is aware of only half of the number of work-related accidents that occur each year. Employers who do not report, or who obstruct an investigation, risk a fine of up to 50,000 euros.

The Dutch Trade Union Confederation (FNV) has been critical of the NLA for years. 'Nowhere in Europe are there so few inspectors as here. Companies are therefore investigated too little.' This criticism is not entirely justified, says Barend Barentsen, Professor of Labour Law at Leiden University, since compared to other EU countries, inspectors here have few powers.

Later this year, the NLA hopes to announce a solution. According to Barentsen, it is considering relaxing the reporting obligation by not immediately threatening to impose fines in the event of an accident, but instead initially only advising on a safe working environment. Barentsen: 'I doubt that this relaxation will make any difference, because contact with the Labour Authority remains a hassle for employers.'

Read the full article on Dutch online news platform Risk & Business

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