Fines of €30,000 imposed after two workplace accidents

The Dutch Public Prosecution Service (Openbaar Ministerie, OM) has imposed two €30,000 fines in just one month following two workplace accidents (arbeidsongeval bij onkruidbestrijdingswerkzaamheden (Dutch only) and arbeidsongeval met hoogwerker (Dutch only)).

In both cases, the Netherlands Labour Authority (NLA) launched an investigation after receiving a report of a serious workplace accident. An employer is obliged to report the accident to the NLA under Article 9 of the Working Conditions Act (Arbeidsomstandighedenwet).

Under Article 24 of the Working Conditions Act, the NLA is authorised to investigate the workplace accident, as is the OM under Article 34 of the same Act. An employer is prohibited from taking (or refraining from taking) actions contrary to this Act or ensuing provisions if, to their knowledge or reasonable belief, this causes or may be expected to cause danger to life or serious damage to the health of one or more employees.

If the OM decides to prosecute, this could have major consequences for your business, for example, in tender procedures or commercial relations. Looking for advice on how to handle a workplace accident? Feel free to visit our webpage, consult our tips & tricks or contact Huib Lebbing or Leontine Cobben from our Houthoff HSE Team.