Occupational safety at companies still leaves much to be desired. The number of workplace accident investigations actually increased by 7 per cent last year. Entrepreneurs' organisation evofenedex therefore advocates a better safety structure, which serves as a basis for prevention.
The report 'The State of Work Safety' by the Inspectorate Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment (ISZW) shows that 2,500 workplace accident investigations were carried out last year. That is an increase of 7 per cent compared to a year earlier.
Among other things, the inspection report states that young people and temporary workers in particular are more often involved in workplace incidents. This would indicate the absence of an adequate safety culture. Commenting on the report, Evofenedex said: 'Healthy and safe working is a consequence of taking precautionary measures, engaging with employees, the right exemplary attitude of team leaders, continuous attention to all aspects of safe and healthy working. This on top of meeting obligations like having an RI&E."
Occupational diseases
In addition to occupational safety, the ISZW also discusses occupational diseases and their prevention in its report. The inspectorate writes that over 4,100 people died due to occupational disease in 2016. Most occupational diseases are related to physical overload. Fatal occupational diseases mainly result from handling hazardous and carcinogenic substances. "Ignorance of occupational health and safety obligations and what exactly hazardous substances are causes companies to take insufficient preventive measures," evofenedex states.
Hazardous substances
The Inspectorate, together with trade union FNV, is launching the hazardous materials app for workers. According to evofenedex, this seems a step too soon, as the Inspectorate also notes that a large proportion of employers, especially in SMEs, are insufficiently aware that they have dangerous and carcinogenic substances in their homes. The business association therefore advocates first focusing on an awareness campaign for employers.
