Workplace accidents

What workplace accidents must be reported?

According to the Working Conditions Act, workplace accidents must be reported immediately if:

• the victim is admitted to hospital
• there is permanent injury
• the victim has died as a result of the accident

A (1 day) admission of only a few hours, for example for surgery or a procedure by a specialist, (plastic) surgeon, or orthopaedist, is also considered a hospital admission. 'Permanent injury' also includes chronic physical and psychological complaints.

If it becomes apparent only at a later date that a hospital admission or permanent injury occurred, the employer must immediately report the accident as soon as it becomes known.

If you are unsure whether the workplace accident must be reported, you should report the accident. The Netherlands Labour Authority will assess whether the accident is reportable.

More information about reporting workplace accidents can be found in our frequently asked questions (Dutch).

What is a workplace accident?

According to the Working Conditions Act, a workplace accident is an unintentional, sudden event that occurs at work or during working hours, which (almost) immediately leads to death or damage to health, resulting in absenteeism.

This can include an accident at a company, an institution, a (construction) site, or while working on the road. Accidents that occur on public roads can therefore also fall under the definition of a workplace accident. However, as a rule, an accident is not considered a workplace accident if the injury occurs while commuting to or from work.

Keeping an accident registration

Under the Working Conditions Act, the employer is obliged to keep an accident register of:

• all reported workplace accidents;
• accidents that resulted in more than 3 days of absenteeism.

The employer records at least the date and nature of the accident. Employees are entitled to access this information.

A sample accident register (Dutch) is available on our website. You can download and complete this form yourself. By completing and saving this form, you comply with the obligation to maintain an accident register.

Accident investigation

An accident investigation takes place as soon as possible after the report. The Netherlands Labour Authority always requests that the accident situation be left as intact as possible, so the inspector can form a clear picture of the events. The inspector will also interview those involved and witnesses.

For more information, see the animated video (Dutch) below or the accident investigation webpage.