In the Netherlands, there are over 400 companies that handle large quantities of hazardous substances, for example in the chemical and refining industries. A problem at these companies could have serious consequences for the health and safety of employees, local residents and the environment. These companies must therefore take specific measures to limit the risks of major accidents involving hazardous substances.
That is why these companies must comply with high European safety standards: the Seveso III Directive. In the Netherlands, these rules are set out in the Environment Act. We refer to companies covered by this directive as Seveso establishments. Seveso establishments are responsible for minimising risks and preventing major accidents within their premises.
Multiple government organisations, 1 approach
The supervision of Seveso establishments is the responsibility of 8 different government organisations. To ensure clear rules and consistent inspections, they work together as a single authority within the national SEVESO+ programme. These government organisations carry out joint inspections and coordinate their enforcement activities and the sharing of knowledge. These public sector partners also work continuously to improve their approach.
The partners are the Netherlands Labour Authority, the safety regions, Seveso environmental services, Rijkswaterstaat, water boards, the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate, the Public Prosecution Service and the State Supervision of Mines.
Our role within SEVESO+
The Netherlands Labour Authority carries out inspections to ensure that SEVESO companies fulfil their responsibility to provide safe and healthy working conditions for their employees. Within SEVESO+, we work together with other regulatory authorities to assess whether companies are managing safety risks and, on that basis, taking measures to prevent major accidents and protect workers. Our inspectors are part of the joint inspection teams and contribute their expertise in the fields of occupational safety and process safety.