A good approach to healthy and safe working is important for your employees. For a good approach, you need to do several things, including carrying out a Risk lnventory and Evaluation.
What is a Risk lnventory and Evaluation?
In a Risk lnventory and Evaluation (Rl&E), you record the health and safety risks associated with the work carried out in your company. You also evaluate these risks. You assess how many employees are exposed to a risk and for how long. You also assess the likelihood of a particular risk actually occurring. The Rl&E also includes an action plan in which you describe the measures you are taking to minimise the risks.
The employer can engage a certified occupational health and safety expert to carry out the Rl&E. You can also draw up the Rl&E yourself. lf a company has more than 25 employees, the Rl&E must be assessed by a certified expert. lf a company has fewer than 26 employees, the employer can make use of an industry-wide Rl&E, in which case the Rl&E does not need to be assessed. For more information about the Rl&E, the action plan, the Rl&E assessment and the industry-wide Rl&E, go to Steunpunt Rl&E.
Under the Working Conditions Act, every company must draw up a written Rl&E and an action plan (AP) based on it. This also applies if you only have a few employees. The Netherlands Labour Authority checks whether you have an Rl&E and AP and whether they are complete. lf the Rl&E or AP is incomplete, for example because not all risks or measures are included, the Labour Authority may take enforcement action. lf your company does not have an Rl&E or Action Plan, the Labour Authority may impose a fine immediately.
Question and answer
'Health & Safety in order' self-inspection
Is your working conditions policy in order? Use the Healthy and safe working self-inspection tool to find out.