Temporary workers face a significantly higher risk of serious work accidents than permanent employees. Recent figures clearly show this, and emphasize that employers and employment agencies are jointly responsible for safety and compensation for damage. In this article, we set out what the situation is, what your rights are as a victim, and how you can submit a personal injury claim.
Figures from recent research
In 2024 inspectors investigated over 3,200 work accidents, 52 of which were fatal.
Temporary workers are particularly overrepresented in these statistics: they make up a much larger proportion of the victims than their share of the workforce.
In 2024 it was found that in 69% of the inspected companies there were shortcomings in working conditions for temporary workers.
Scientific research shows that temporary workers relatively more often experience an accident than employees with a permanent contract, although the cause factors are often complex.
Many work accidents stay under the radar: possibly up to 50-70% of the reportable accidents are not reported.
This data underlines that the subject is not only relevant but also urgent for those working on the basis of temporary or agency contracts.
Why temporary workers are extra vulnerable
There are several reasons why temporary workers are more often involved in work accidents:
Short contracts & changing workplaces
Due to the temporary and changing nature of clients and locations, the safety instruction may be less consistent or less known.
Insufficient introduction and supervision
In many cases there is no decent workplace introduction or structural supervision, especially at borrowing companies.
Language and communication barriers
Labor migrants or workers with limited knowledge of Dutch may not understand safety instructions as well, increasing the risk.
Lack of own binding
As an employee with a temporary contract, the engagement is less strong; this can hinder real investments in safety and aftercare.
Sectoral risky activities
Temporary workers are more common in sectors such as construction, agriculture, industry and logistics – areas where hazards are inherently present.
Your rights as a victim of a work accident
As a temporary worker, you have (in many cases) the same rights as permanent employees when it comes to liability and compensation. Below the main points:
Report the accident
Employers are required to report serious accidents immediately to the Labor Inspection, for example in case of hospital admission, permanent injury or death.
Liability and personal injury claim
You can hold responsible those responsible for the accident – this may be the borrower, the employment agency, or others. You can claim compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, compensation for pain and suffering etc.
Investigation and evidence
Collect evidence: photos of the workplace, testimonies from colleagues, medical reports. Your legal representative will help with this.
Cooperation between parties
The liable party must deal with your damage, even if there is a discussion about who is exactly guilty. You do not have to wait for this.
Compliance with duty of care
Employers (both borrowers and employment agencies) have the legal duty to guarantee a safe working environment – this includes sufficient instruction, supervision and compliance with safety regulations.
Step-by-step plan: what can you do after a work accident?
Step Action Why important
1 Take care of your health and immediately document the accident (photos, witnesses) Capture evidence before traces disappear
2 Report the accident to the employer/borrower and – if applicable – employment agency Legal reporting duty and start of formal procedure
3 Ask for copies of relevant documents, such as work schedules and instructions These can later be important in your claim
4 Have a medical examination and keep all reports and notes Necessary for damage claim
5 Contact a specialized personal injury lawyer You do not have to fight the insurer yourself
6 Let your lawyer establish liability and start damage calculation Make sure all damage items are included
7 Ask for an advance if liability is recognized Prevents you from having to advance costs yourself
8 Monitor the process and send additions to the other party Keep the case sharp and current
9 Cooperate with medical final assessment or report Necessary for definitive settlement
10 When you agree: completion and final payment Make sure everything is legally well closed
Why it makes sense to hire a lawyer
While you can theoretically do the process yourself, there are clear advantages to hiring a specialized lawyer:
Your case is thoroughly and professionally mapped out (no forgotten damage items).
You do not have to communicate with insurers yourself – the lawyer takes over this.
The lawyer knows the legal pitfalls and ensures that you get the maximum you are entitled to.
In most cases, the legal costs are free for you – the liable insurer reimburses them.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about temporary workers and work accidents
1. Why do temporary workers more often become involved in work accidents?
Because they often do risky jobs, have less connection with the workplace and often change workplace without a fixed safety culture.
2. Can I also receive compensation if the employment agency claims that I made a mistake?
Yes, if you can demonstrate that this mistake is partly caused by insufficient instruction, defective supervision or unsafe circumstances.
3. What if the employer did not report the accident?
That is a violation of the law – you can still take legal action. Furthermore, since 2024 there is a so-called double reporting system for temporary worker accidents.
4. How long does a personal injury procedure take after a work accident?
This varies widely, depending on how quickly liability is recognized, how complex the medical situation is, and whether there is discussion about damage items.
5. Do I have to hire a lawyer immediately?
You do not have to immediately, but the sooner, the better. Especially in formal procedures and with complex claims, legal support is often crucial.
