Every year, thousands of employees in the Netherlands are injured in workplace accidents. The Occupational Accidents Monitor 2023 of the Dutch Labour Inspectorate shows that falls from height are once again the most common cause. In 2023, 2,448 accident investigations were completed, with 2,386 victims and 69 fatal accidents. But other risk factors, such as incidents involving labour migrants, also deserve special attention.
In this blog, we discuss the causes, sectors with elevated risk, and what your rights are if you are a victim of a workplace accident.
Facts and figures: occupational accidents in the Netherlands
In 2023, the Dutch Labour Inspectorate investigated:
- 2,448 occupational accidents.
- 2.386 victims, of which:
- 69 fatal accidents.
- 35% caused by falls from height.
- 26% due to contact with work equipment or objects.
- 20% due to being struck by falling objects.
- 10% due to accidents involving vehicles or moving machinery.
Most occupational accidents occur in sectors such as:
- Water utilities and waste management
- Construction
- Agriculture, forestry and fisheries
- Industry
- Transport and storage
In smaller companies, the risk of accidents is considerably higher than in large companies. This is often due to less supervision, limited safety measures, and poor compliance with rules.
Working at height: why so many accidents?
Working at height remains one of the biggest risk factors in sectors such as construction, where more than half of accidents are related to falls. Common situations include:
- Falling from roofs, scaffolding, aerial work platforms or ladders.
- Unsafe materials, such as outdated ladders or faulty scaffolding.
- Lack of fall protection, such as lifelines or harnesses.
Although employers are required to implement safety measures, this often goes wrong due to time pressure, cost cutting, or insufficient supervision.
Migrant workers: a vulnerable group
From the annual Occupational Accidents Monitor shows that migrant workers are more often victims of workplace accidents. This is especially true for migrant workers who work in the Netherlands for less than four months and do not have a registered residential address.
Facts about migrant workers and workplace accidents:
- 37 accidents per 100,000 jobs among migrant workers, compared to 26 on average.
- Fatality rate twice as high (4% among migrant workers, 2% among other victims).
- Most accidents involving migrant workers occur in:
- Metal industry
- Slaughterhouses
- Agriculture, forestry and fisheries
Migrant workers are often temporary agency workers, young and only employed for a short time at the time of the accident. This makes them extra vulnerable, partly due to language and cultural barriers that can lead to miscommunication about safety instructions. In addition, they often work in sectors with elevated risks and sometimes have fewer possibilities to complain about unsafe situations due to dependence on their employer.
Other common types of accidents
In addition to fall accidents, the following occupational accidents are often reported:
-
Contact with work equipment or objects
Think of accidents involving machinery where workers become trapped in moving parts. This type of accident occurs mainly in industry (42% of the accidents in that sector). -
Being struck by objects
Falling objects are a common cause of injury on construction sites and in warehouses. -
Accidents involving vehicles or machinery
Forklifts and other moving vehicles regularly cause serious accidents, often resulting in permanent injuries or even fatalities.
Rights after a workplace accident
As a victim of a workplace accident, you are often entitled to compensation. In the Netherlands, the employer is almost always liable, unless there is intent or deliberate recklessness by the employee. Even if an accident is caused by a colleague, the employer remains responsible.
What are your rights?
- A safe working environment: The employer must take measures to reduce risks.
- Compensation: As a victim, you can claim compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, and other damages.
- Employer liability: The employer is responsible for mistakes by colleagues and inadequate safety measures.
How Arslan Advocaten can help
At Arslan Advocaten we understand that a workplace accident can have a major impact. Our experienced personal injury lawyers are ready to defend your rights. Our services are completely free for you, because we recover our costs from the liable party.
We offer:
- Free legal advice: Our team reviews your situation and discusses what we can do for you.
- Specialization in employment law and personal injury: We make sure you get what you’re entitled to, without extra stress.
Contact us for legal help
Are you a victim of a workplace accident? Or do you want to know more about your rights? Get in touch today with Arslan Advocaten. Fill in our contact form, and we will call you back the same working day. Together, we will make sure that your damages are compensated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What legal rights do I have if I am injured in a fall from height at work?
If you are injured due to a fall from height, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and any related damages. It is important to consult a legal expert to evaluate your case and ensure your rights are protected.
How can I prove that my employer was negligent in causing my workplace fall?
To prove employer negligence, gathering evidence such as safety inspection reports, witness statements, and photographs of the accident scene is crucial. A workplace injury lawyer can help you build a strong case demonstrating safety violations or lack of proper precautions.
Are migrant workers entitled to the same legal protections following a workplace accident?
Yes, migrant workers have the same legal rights and protections as other employees, including access to compensation and safety regulations. However, language barriers and temporary employment status can complicate claims, so legal guidance is recommended.
What steps should I take immediately after a workplace accident involving a fall?
Seek medical attention promptly and report the incident to your employer. Additionally, document the accident scene and gather witness information, and consult a legal professional to understand your rights and options for compensation.