Arbobalans 2006: Netherlands scores relatively well 19.05.2008
The Netherlands scores relatively well in working conditions compared with other European countries. This is apparent from TNO’s ‘Nederlandse Arbobalans 2006’ or Dutch Occupational Safety and Health 2006, produced under the auspices of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment.
Dutch employees are generally exposed less to physical risks at work. The same applies to hazards from their working environment. However Dutch employees do report undesirable conduct such as pestering, violence and intimidation more often than their European colleagues. Two-thirds of Dutch doctors and nurses say they have to deal with this regularly. At the same time more Dutch home helpers and carers for the elderly and children also report difficulties with undesirable conduct at work. The report also shows that employees in a variety of sectors are experiencing slight increases in work pressure for the first time in years. This applies particularly to teachers and employees in the care sector. The need for measures to reduce physical risks and work pressure is considerable for those with an occupational disability in work, it appears. They are relatively often employed in jobs with many safety risks.
The ‘Arbobalans 2006’ reveals that the decline in (fatal) work accidents continued in 2006. Around 3,100 accidents causing injury and absence occurred per 100,000 employees. Absenteeism (including long-term) also dropped, although the number of Dutch with mental problems who are only able to work partially or not at all, remained relatively high. The reason for long-term absenteeism arising from mental problems is generally high pressure of work.
The entire TNO report can be found (in Dutch) at: http://docs.szw.nl/pdf/129/2006
Source: www.home.szw.nl
