Mandatory RI&E protects your employees from danger

  • Background
  • 5 June 2023
  • Edited 18 July 2024
  • 1 min
  • Secure business

There are many types of business risks that can cause health problems. For example, an accident with harmful chemicals, an argument with a customer, or simply having too much work to do. These situations are unpleasant for both employees and employers. Therefore, identify the dangers in your business with a Risk Inventory and Evaluation (RI&E).

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As employer, you are responsible for making sure your employees can work safely and in a healthy environment. This is described in the Arbowet (the Work conditions Act, in Dutch). 

With an RI&E, you assess the risks, prioritise them, create an action plan, and then make it happen. The inventory is mandatory for every employer with at least one employee.

The Netherlands Labour Authority (Nederlandse Arbeidsinspectie) can fine a business that does not make an RI&E. Insurers can also offer less or no cover if you do not have an RI&E or have not complied with it.

What is included in an RI&E?

You can create an RI&E yourself or use a tool provided by, for example, the website RI&E Steunpoint (in Dutch). Follow these steps:

  1. Make a list of risks: consider physical and emotional risks, work processes, and work locations.
  2. Evaluate risks: assess the frequency and impact of each risk to determine priorities.
  3. Create an action plan: describe solutions for each risk.
  4. Make it happen: take measures for each risk and adjust them if necessary.

You can also learn more about creating an RI&E on Business.gov.nl.

Where can you find RI&E tools?

The RI&E Steunpunt offers a number of RI&E tools (in Dutch). Using this flowchart (in Dutch), you can see if an assessment is required. The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work OSHA also offers a number of online tools in English.

Is a risk assessment mandatory?

Every employer with personnel must conduct an RI&E. A separate inventory should be taken for each location. A certified labour expert or the Health and Safety Service (Arbodienst) usually has to check those plans as well.

There are 2 exceptions where assessment is not mandatory:

  1. It is not required if the total employment is for a maximum of 40 hours per week. For example, 1 employee with a 40-hour contract, or 2 employees with 20-hour contracts each.
  2. Assessment is not mandatory if you have a maximum of 25 employees and use an approved RI&E. The actual number of employees is counted, including full-time and part-time. Interns and staff hired via employment agencies also count. Approved RI&Es can be found on the RIE.nl website (in Dutch).

Video: RI&E - map out your workplace risks

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