NLA positive about 'self-inspection' of workplace accidents

On 12 December 2024, the State Secretary for Social Affairs and Employment updated the Dutch House of Representatives about employer's reports of workplace accidents. He shared the initial results of the impact study conducted by the Netherlands Labour Authority (NLA) into employer's reports. This Impact Study into the New Approach to Accident Investigation 2024 ("Effectonderzoek nieuwe aanpak ongevalsonderzoek 2024") presents the initial quantitative results based on 540 follow-up inspections. 

Since 1 January 2023, the NLA has been using a new method to investigate workplace accidents. Instead of the NLA conducting an investigation, employers themselves are usually asked to investigate the accident. The product of this self-inspection is the employer's report. If the NLA approves the report, the necessary improvement measures can be implemented. After an inspection into implementation and compliance has been conducted, the accident investigation can be considered completed, and the case will be closed. However, if the employer's report is inadequate, the NLA can further investigate and impose sanctions. 

The NLA impact study now published reveals that the NLA initially rejected the employer's report in over 50% of the cases. Many of them were subsequently approved in the second assessment round, after the employer had made improvements. In 84% of the cases investigated, employers had implemented all improvement plan measures. In 11% of the follow-up inspections, the NLA took enforcement measures. 

The report on the qualitative results of the study will be published later this year. 

Houthoff has successfully assisted various clients in their mandatory self-inspection and preparation of their employer's report. If you have any questions regarding a workplace accident that your organisation is dealing with, please contact our experts Huib Lebbing and Leontine Cobben from the Houthoff HSE Team. They will be pleased to assist you.