Mandatory RI&E protects your employees from danger

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).

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.

Why conduct a risk inventory?

As an employer, you are responsible for the health and safety of your employees. This is stated in the Working Conditions Act (Arbowet).

According to employment and organisation expert Raymond Gruijs, less than 50% of entrepreneurs have an RI&E. "While it is especially important for smaller businesses to conduct such an inventory. If you have 5 employees and one of them is absent, the impact is much greater than if you have 100 employees."

According to Gruijs, an RI&E can help reduce absence due to sickness. "If you carry it out effectively with your staff, you build a company where people enjoy working. This increases job satisfaction and productivity, and reduces employee absences."

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.

Is a risk assessment mandatory?

Every employer with at least 1 employee must conduct an RI&E. You can choose how to do it. The RI&E must also be assessed.

There are 2 exceptions where assessment is not mandatory:

1. It is not required if the work is for a maximum of 40 hours per week. For example, 1 employee with a 30-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. Approved RI&Es can be found on the RIE.nl website (in Dutch). The actual number of employees is counted, both full-time and part-time.