Workplace Safety in the Netherlands

19.11.24

Workplace Safety in the Netherlands: Equipment and Standard Procedures at DB Work

Regardless of the industry, ensuring the safety of every professional we collaborate with at DB Work is a priority for us and the employers offering jobs in the Netherlands. Whether you work in construction, logistics, industry, or the naval sector, implementing rigorous safety measures is essential for protecting the health and integrity of every professional.

Moreover, our workforce mediation and placement agency, DB Work, is renowned for its quality collaborations and long-term relationships with both professionals and international employers. This approach sets us apart, allowing us to provide clients with the best employees and candidates with attractive job opportunities and multiple benefits.

In this article, we will detail the safety equipment and procedures provided to DB Work employees, alongside individual responsibilities to ensure a risk-free work environment.

Safety Equipment Provided by DB Work in the Netherlands

Each position comes with a set of mandatory protective equipment tailored to the specific risks associated with each field of activity. DB Work ensures that employees have everything they need to begin their work under optimal conditions. All work equipment is provided from the first day DB Work professionals arrive in the Netherlands, based on clothing and shoe sizes shared prior to arrival. Employees are accompanied by our support team in the Netherlands to collect their equipment from the storage facility.

The equipment provided varies depending on the job and may include:

  • Safety boots: Protect against accidents, shocks, punctures, and slips. Ideal for industrial environments or construction sites.
  • Coveralls: Provide comfort and protection against dirt, wear, and potential mechanical risks. Made from durable materials suitable for intensive physical activity.
  • Jackets: Essential for outdoor work, especially in unfavorable weather conditions, providing thermal insulation and protection against wind and rain.
  • Hoodies: Useful for extra thermal comfort, particularly on colder days.
  • Helmets: Protect against falling objects or impacts, a basic requirement for construction and similar fields.
  • Safety glasses: Ensure protection against particles, dust, or sparks during work.
  • Earplugs: Essential in noisy environments, reducing sound levels and preventing hearing damage.
  • Headlamps: Illuminate poorly lit work areas while keeping hands free for tasks.
  • Welding masks: Provide complete protection against sparks, radiation, and high temperatures specific to welding activities.
  • Gloves: Protect hands from cuts, abrasions, chemicals, or extreme temperatures, depending on the work type.
  • Knee pads: Essential for protecting joints during tasks involving kneeling on hard surfaces.

 

For specific jobs, additional work and protective equipment required for particular tasks or temporary projects are provided directly at the workplace, tailored to the job's unique requirements.

Standard Workplace Safety Procedures

Safety goes beyond protective equipment. Every job in the Netherlands provided through DB Work has clear, specific procedures designed to minimize risks. Adhering to these procedures is essential for every employee. All these procedures will be presented by the employer at the workplace.

  • Safety training: All employees participate in training sessions on safety before starting work. This includes instructions on using equipment, understanding emergency procedures, and identifying risks.
  • Compliance with safety zones: In industrial, naval, and construction sectors, there are designated safety zones. Access to these zones is allowed only for authorized and properly equipped personnel.
  • Equipment inspection: Employees are trained to inspect their equipment before each shift. From the stability of ladders to the functionality of electrical tools, every detail is crucial to prevent incidents.
  • Incident communication procedures: If an incident occurs, rapid and accurate reporting is essential for managing the situation. Each employer has a clear procedure for reporting and documenting every incident to prevent recurrence.

 

These safety measures are adapted to each job in the Netherlands, depending on the specific field, to provide optimal protection:

  • Construction safety: Involves working at heights or using heavy machinery. Special equipment like harnesses and safety belts is used in areas where workers need to climb scaffolding.
  • Naval industry safety: Employees face specific risks such as handling maritime equipment and working in confined spaces. Special breathing equipment is used for environments with limited ventilation, along with strict measures to prevent slip-and-fall accidents.
  • Logistics and industry safety: Frequent handling of lifting equipment and loading/unloading goods involves specific risks. Employees in these fields are trained in proper lifting techniques and provided with special back support equipment to prevent injuries.

 

The Importance of VCA Certification

The VCA certificate is essential for those who want to work in the Netherlands, being mandatory in the naval sector and advantageous in others such as electrical, transport, heavy industry, construction, and electromechanics. VCA stands for "VGM Checklist voor Aannemers" and certifies knowledge of safety and labor protection rules required to perform activities under optimal conditions.

This certificate enables you to work under the best conditions and is mandatory in certain fields. VCA is required not only in the Netherlands but also in other countries such as Belgium, Luxembourg, Austria, Sweden, or Germany. The DB Work team can guide you in obtaining this certificate to become eligible for jobs in the Netherlands.

Safety First with DB Work

From your very first day in the Netherlands with DB Work, workplace safety forms the foundation of any job and is a crucial aspect of professional success. At DB Work, through protective equipment and clear procedures, we support every employee to feel safe and secure in their workplace in the Netherlands.

If you're looking for a safe and well-organized job in the Netherlands, discover the benefits of working with DB Work and apply for the available positions.

Our range of jobs includes positions in various fields such as industrial, logistics, construction, and naval. For more information on available job opportunities, visit our job listings page: Available Jobs in the Netherlands.

Here are the benefits DB Work offers you: