Focus of the SZW Inspection 2021: Healthy and Safe Working Conditions

21 June 2021

In 2021, working safely and healthily is more important than ever. The COVID-19 crisis has made this abundantly clear. To reinforce this, the SZW Inspectorate will once again focus on compliance with core occupational health and safety obligations in 2021. Through active inspections, the Inspectorate will remind employers of the importance of properly implementing the RI&E, the action plan, and the basic contract as the foundation for a safe and healthy work environment.

Working with Hazardous Substances

Special attention is given to working with hazardous substances. CMR substances (carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reprotoxic) will be subject to particularly intensive inspections. More than 100,000 companies in the Netherlands work with hazardous substances. The associated hazards range from acute hazards (asphyxiation, intoxication, poisoning, fire, and explosion) to hazards that affect health in the long(er) term (cancer, lung diseases such as COPD, or skin diseases).

What should you do?

Does your company use hazardous substances, and in particular one or more CMR substances on the SZW list? If so, it is important to know that every company is required to have at least a risk assessment and evaluation for hazardous substances. In the case of CMR substances, you must even maintain a record at the individual level. This requirement has been part of the Working Conditions Act since January 1, 1994.

To avoid fines, your hazardous substances risk assessment or CMR substance registration must be up to date. We can help you ensure that your affairs are in order.

Looking for an independent inspection partner?

Normec offers expert and independent inspections for safe buildings, installations, and facilities.

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