In the Netherlands, many companies are active on delivering meals and groceries (instant delivery). There are safety risks associated with young people delivering meals and groceries on scooters, e-bikes, bicycles etcetera. Consider participation in traffic, high workload and late working hours. These risks are reflected in the number of traffic accidents and other incidents, such as robberies.
Delivering meals and groceries: minimum age 16
Due to the risks, the Netherlands Labour Authority - often together with the municipality and the police - checks whether meal and instant deliverers work safely and healthily. The checks show that employers violate the rules too often. It concerns, for instance, young people who work too long and/or too late. Therefore, a minimum age of 16 applies for delivering meals and groceries using a vehicle. This is an addition to the rules that apply anyway to allow young people to work safely and healthily.
All rules about young people and work
For all rules for side jobs and holiday jobs done by young people, please visit rijksoverheid.nl (Dutch).
Traffic safety
Meal deliverers are also road users when they are at work. The police enforce traffic safety. Employers must inform their delivery staff about traffic regulations so they can carry out their work as safely as possible. See the basic traffic rules below.
Self-inspection: inspect yourself
At zelfinspectie.nl (Dutch) employers can check whether their policy and working methods are in order. You look at your company as an inspector from the Netherlands Labour Authority would. You will gain insight into what is working well and what needs to be improved. You will receive tips and instructions to further ensure the safety of your employees.
Fine for employers
Employers must ensure that young people can work safely and healthily. And employers must pay them correctly. If the employer does not comply with these rules, he may be fined.
Fine for parents
Parents are responsible for ensuring that their children do not work too long and/or too late. They can also be fined for violations.