Interim evaluation shows satisfaction with new rules on occupational health and safety service provision 26.10.2007
New rules were introduced on 1 July 2005 to help employers improve working conditions and address absenteeism. In certain situations, employers no longer have to make use of an (external) health and safety service. Companies with fewer than 25 employees no longer have to have their risk inventorisation and assessment system reviewed by an occupational health and safety service or expert if, with involvement of the occupational health and safety service concerned, the various parties have agreed on an alternative approach that is laid down in the collective agreement. Another alternative to using a health and safety service (the customised
New rules were introduced on 1 July 2005 to help employers improve working conditions and address absenteeism. In certain situations, employers no longer have to make use of an (external) health and safety service. Companies with fewer than 25 employees no longer have to have their risk inventorisation and assessment system reviewed by an occupational health and safety service or expert if, with involvement of the occupational health and safety service concerned, the various parties have agreed on an alternative approach that is laid down in the collective agreement. Another alternative to using a health and safety service (the customised approach) has been introduced for absenteeism. Companies can simply use the services of a company doctor if this has been set out in a collective agreement or agreed with the works council or employee representation body. The new rules have led to a new, broader Occupational Health and Safety Act, which took effect on 1 January 2007.
An interim evaluation shows that the new rules meet the needs of employers and employees. The investigation found that most employers were familiar with the new rules. Larger companies were particularly well informed. At least 54% of all firms have appointed a prevention officer, or these tasks are carried out by the employer. Thirteen collective agreements now contain a risk inventorisation and assessment system.
A number of very small companies are less familiar with the new rules and options. These companies are in need of structural support for dealing with absenteeism in particular. The Ministry will address this issue by setting up a 'customisation' project to help Dutch SMEs.
The investigation found that employers were increasingly satisfied with their health and safety service. At the end of 2006, about 60% of businesses had contracts with the health and safety service that they had been using in the past. Many existing health and safety services have adjusted or expanded the package of services they offer. Groups on the supply and demand sides of the occupational health and safety and reintegration market have joined forces to create the Blik op Werk [Look at Work] Foundation in order to make the occupational health and safety market more transparent.
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