Temporary workers are more likely to have accidents and, compared with permanent staff, to carry out less healthy and more hazardous work. This is 1 of the findings of research (Dutch) and an inspection project carried out by the Netherlands Labour Authority at temporary employment agencies and companies that employ temporary workers. The Labour Authority has established that temporary employment agencies and client organisations are failing to adequately fulfil their responsibilities for health and safety at work and are not coordinating effectively amongst themselves to clarify who is responsible for what.
Between 2023 and the end of 2025, the Netherlands Labour Authority carried out 557 inspections. Of these, 383 inspections took place at client organisations and 174 at temporary employment agencies. The Labour Authority found 1 or more violations at 68 per cent of the hirers inspected. For temporary employment agencies, the figure was 31 per cent.
Risks not identified
The Labour Authority identified serious shortcomings at many workplaces. It became clear, for example, that the risk assessments were often not up to standard. Risks were either not described at all or described inadequately, measures were either lacking or had not been implemented, and expert reviews were often not carried out. It was also found that temporary workers were often only given written information about risks and safety measures without any proper explanation or check to ensure they had actually understood it.
Responsibilities are unclear
The Labour Authority has also established that temporary employment agencies and client organisations are far from always clear about who is responsible for matters such as personal protective equipment, training, supervision and access to occupational health and safety services. This is of particular concern because temporary workers often find themselves in a vulnerable position. A short induction period, language barriers, uncertain employment with frequent changes in tasks, and, in some cases, limited knowledge of safety regulations all play a significant role here.
Temporary workers face greater risks
Where serious risks were identified, the Labour Authority took immediate action. In 66 cases, work at client organisations was suspended due to situations posing a serious risk in the workplace. The findings of the project confirm a broader picture: temporary workers are at greater risk than those in permanent employment. According to the Labour Authority, this calls for greater attention from both temporary employment agencies and client organisations. Health and safety at work starts with a sound and up-to-date risk assessment paying particular attention paid to temporary workers, clear agreements between the parties, and clear information and instructions for employees.
The Labour Authority is calling on temporary employment agencies and client organisations to take their responsibilities more seriously. Temporary workers are entitled to the same safe and healthy working conditions as other employees.
