Transgressive Behaviour
One of the focal points is tackling transgressive behaviour in the workplace. Next year, an action programme against sexually transgressive behaviour will be launched. This programme will include laws and regulations, public campaigns and the creation of a safe working environment.
The role of bystanders will be emphasised during this programme and proper assistance will also be provided. Before the end of this year, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment (SZW) will be working on legislation that will require employers to introduce a complaints procedure as well as a code of conduct.
Confidential Advisor
Over a million people face bullying, (sexual) harassment, discrimination and aggression at work. To ensure greater social safety in the workplace, a bill has been initiated to make it compulsory for organisations with ten or more employees to appoint a confidential advisor. This could be an internal employee or a representative through an industry association or an occupational health and safety service provider. The initiative from the Dutch House of Representatives has yet to be approved by the Senate.
Other Plans
Besides the topic of ‘social safety’, the government has also announced other plans in terms of healthy and safe workplaces:
- Sustainable Employability
For the coming year, the Cabinet plans to allocate an additional budget for programmes aimed at increasing/maintaining the sustainable employability of employees. This includes health, wellness and career development initiatives. One component here is the individual sustainable employability budget, which enables employees to invest in their own sustainable employability.
- New Regulations on Asbestos and Hazardous Substances
In 2024, the Substance-related Occupational Diseases (TBS) compensation scheme will be extended to cover new occupational diseases. This scheme was introduced early last year for employees who are exposed to hazardous substances during their work. The Schoof cabinet is also working to update regulations on asbestos and other hazardous substances.
- Training Requirements for Prevention Officers
In the 2025 State Budget, strategic reviews for the period 2024-2031 were announced. One of these reviews will focus on training requirements for prevention officers. While many EU member states have specific requirements for this training, the Netherlands does not. Several agencies are already set to assess the advisability of implementing such requirements in the Netherlands in 2024.
- Second Track Rehabilitation
Whenever an employee falls ill, employers do not know how long this person will be out of the running and whether or not they will return. The government is of the opinion that clarity for business owners should be provided earlier to allow for consideration of a possible replacement in good time.
Therefore, the intention is that starting from the second year of an illness, employees can opt for full second track rehabilitation. This means that employees will then start working with another employer. The current employer is then required to grant permission for this work.
- Health and Safety Vision 2040
The Health and Safety Vision 2040 sets out the mission, ambitions and objectives regarding working conditions leading up to the year 2040. According to the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment (SZW), healthy and safe working conditions are important components of job security. Reducing work-related accidents, illnesses and deaths are key objectives here. New initiatives that contribute to healthy and safe working conditions are being fostered.
- Multi-year RI&E Programme
Between 2019 and 2023, the multi-year risk inventory and evaluation (RI&E) programme was carried out. The programme aimed to improve compliance as well as the quality of RI&Es at smaller companies. This was achieved through a number of activities such as raising awareness of the RI&E requirement. A final evaluation of the multi-year programme is expected to occur in 2024.