Labor Migrants More Often Victims of Work Accidents

17 January 2025
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Labor Migrants More Often Victims of Work Accidents

Labor migrants in the Netherlands have a greater chance of becoming victims of a work accident than other employees. Figures from the Dutch Labour Inspection show that an average of 126 work accidents per 100,000 jobs are reported annually. However, for labor migrants, this figure is 137 per 100,000 jobs – nearly 10% higher. Moreover, it appears that fatal work accidents occur twice as often among labor migrants.

At Arslan Advocaten, specializing in personal injury cases, we notice that many work accidents involving labor migrants are not reported. This not only makes the problem serious, but also difficult to map out completely.


Why are labor migrants at higher risk?

Although the Dutch Labour Inspection does not name a specific cause, research from our office and other involved parties points to various factors that contribute to the increased risk of work accidents among labor migrants:

  1. Insufficient or missing instructions in their native language
    Labor migrants regularly receive safety instructions that they do not understand because they are not offered in their native language.

  2. Lack of safety measures
    In some cases, essential safety measures are ignored or not adequately implemented.

  3. Dangerous work
    Labor migrants are used more often for physically heavy and dangerous work, especially in sectors where there is little supervision of working conditions.

These factors not only increase the risk of injury but also make labor migrants a vulnerable group within the Dutch labor market.


Sectors at Increased Risk

Work accidents among labor migrants mainly occur in sectors with intensive labor and often unskilled work. These include:

  • Metal industry
  • Slaughterhouses
  • Agriculture
  • Fisheries

Expats, who are usually employed in higher positions at large companies, are not part of this risk group. It is mainly labor migrants in the above sectors who face an increased risk of work accidents.


What can you do in case of a work accident?

If you are a labor migrant, it is important to know your rights and what to do after a work accident. The employer is legally required to ensure a safe working environment. If it turns out that your employer has fallen short in this, you are entitled to compensation for the personal injury suffered.

At Arslan Advocaten, we provide specialized legal assistance to victims of work accidents. We help labor migrants to fully recover their damage, without them having to bear legal costs.


Why Arslan Advocaten?

  • Experienced personal injury lawyers
    Out lawyers have extensive experience in assisting labor migrants who are victims of work accidents.

  • Legal aid is free for you
    We recover our costs from the liable party. 

  • Personal guidance
    We understand that a work accident not only causes physical injury, but also has emotional and financial impact. So we offer tailored support.


Need legal help?

Have you, as a labour migrant, been involved in a work accident? Please contact Arslan Advocaten without obligation. Our experts are ready to defend your rights and ensure you receive the compensation to which you are entitled. Call us today or fill in our contact form. We will contact you within 24 hours.

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