On November 14, 2023, the Dutch Association for Safety Science (NVVK) sounded the alarm about the dire absence of attention to occupational safety in political party programs. With the consequences of political disinterest becoming increasingly tangible, it is high time to focus on the urgency of safety and health in the workplace, especially at this time of political discussions and cabinet formation.
Political Disinterest and Increasing Consequences:
The NVVK has examined the party programs of the ten largest political parties and is raising the alarm. René Geluk, member of the NVVK team, is indignant about the results. “Safety is mentioned almost exclusively in relation to defense or public order. The theme of occupational safety is virtually absent in all programs,” says Geluk. This lack of attention translates into worrying statistics on occupational accidents and the negative consequences of occupational insecurity that are felt everywhere.
For more information about occupational safety in the workplace and what employers should do to ensure your safety, view our article here.
Safety thinking Missing:
Although parliament regularly discusses occupational safety, Geluk believes there is a lack of a coherent electoral theme. Despite rising numbers of occupational accidents and a growing number of deaths, Geluk notes a lack of safety awareness among employers and a government that is too slow to guarantee safety. André van der Grift, NVVK board member, emphasizes that especially fast-growing industries, such as distribution centers and the installation of solar panels, suffer from a lack of attention to occupational safety.
For more insight into when employers are or are not liable for an industrial accident, read our page here.
Alarming Statistics and Missing Actions:
The latest statistics from the Court of Audit, presented in October 2023, paint a disturbing picture. Every year, 200,000 employees are victims of a physical accident at work, involving 3% of the total number of employees. A shocking 4,000 people die prematurely due to the consequences of unhealthy work. It is also notable that 52% of notifiable occupational accidents are not reported, a phenomenon that has been known for almost 20 years.
In an earlier article we discussed the case of Sabic Limburg, in which employee safety and liability are central.
Political Positions and Occupational Safety:
The NVVK press release includes the positions of various political parties on occupational safety. Here is an overview of some parties:
| Political party | Position(s) in the Party Program for Occupational Safety |
| VVD | – No specific attention to work-related safety. Safety is mentioned in relation to defence, public order and road safety. |
| D66 | – Some labor safety aspects, such as the right to inaccessibility and more attention from the Labor Inspectorate for the quality of work. |
| CDA | – No specific attention to work-related safety. |
| GroenLinks-PvdA | – A point of attention for work-related safety: intensify control by the Labor Inspectorate on safety within various sectors. |
| ChristenUnie | – Some individual points of interest, including the emphasis on European rules on safety and labor, the prohibition of forced labor and exploitation, and improvement of working conditions in non-Western countries. |
| PVV | – No specific attention to work-related safety. |
| NSC | – No specific attention to work-related safety. |
| BBB | – No specific attention to work-related safety. Safety is mentioned in relation to the armed forces, safety in neighborhoods and villages, police and crime. |
| SP | – Some individual points of interest, including improvement of working conditions in a number of sectors with regard to aggression, violence and sometimes work pressure. Improvement of working conditions in the sports sector is also mentioned (doping/abuse/racism). |
| Partij voor de Dieren | – A point of attention regarding occupational safety: combating aggression, violence (and in some cases work pressure) at work. Safety is further mentioned in relation to traffic and cyber risks. Veiligheid wordt verder genoemd in relatie tot het verkeer en cyberrisico’s. |
Political Engagement Missing:
A letter from Minister Van Gennip (SZW) to the House of Representatives shows that only 35% of companies have a correct Risk Inventory and Evaluation (RI&E). Absenteeism due to illness has risen to 5.7% since 2017, with estimated healthcare costs of 17 billion euros in 2021. Despite an occupational health and safety vision aimed at 2040, there are no concrete plans to optimize the safety culture and knowledge within organizations, as well as the dire shortage of safety experts.
The TSB scheme can provide compensation for victims of occupational diseases; read more here.
Conclusion:
In 2024, we simply can no longer afford to ignore occupational safety. It is high time that politicians tackle this theme as a priority, with concrete measures to tackle the increasing crisis in the workplace. Occupational safety should not be a forgotten topic; it is a matter of life and well-being.
Contact MCJ Advocatuur to discuss your case and find out how we can help you.