Workplace Accident in the Netherlands, Employer Liability and Compensation for Expats
Workplace accidents in the Netherlands, why legal help matters
According to a survey by Statistics Netherlands (CBS), around 77,000 workplace accidents in 2020 led to employees being unable to work for at least four days. For expats, the impact can be even bigger because the system, language, and employer communication may feel unfamiliar. This article explains what counts as a workplace accident, when an employer can be liable, what should be reported, and which compensation you can claim.
Common causes of workplace accidents
Many workplace injuries are not “dramatic” incidents, they are everyday hazards that turn serious:
Slips, trips, and falls (wet floors, cluttered walkways, poor lighting)
Physical overload (heavy lifting, repetitive movements, incorrect posture)
Machinery and tools (unguarded equipment, missing lockout procedures)
Inadequate training, supervision, or protective equipment (PPE)
Workplace stress and psychological overload, in certain circumstances
Accidents are reported relatively often in sectors such as healthcare, retail or trade, and industry. That is not only about risk levels, it is also because many people work in these sectors.
What counts as a workplace accident (and what many expats overlook)
A workplace accident is generally an incident where an employee, agency worker, or sometimes a self-employed worker suffers injury (or worse) in connection with work. People often think of a fall from a ladder or an accident with a machine, but the concept can be broader. Examples can include:
Injury caused by a colleague’s mistake during work
Work-related traffic accidents while performing job duties
Certain work-related psychological harm, depending on the facts and medical support
The key question is usually whether the injury occurred in the course of performing work and whether the employer had sufficient control and responsibility to prevent it.
Employer liability in the Netherlands, the duty of care
Dutch law places a strong duty on employers to provide a safe workplace. Under Article 7:658 of the Dutch Civil Code, an employer must take reasonable measures to prevent employees from suffering injury while working. In many cases, if an employee is injured in the course of work, the employer can be liable unless the employer can show they fulfilled their duty of care.
This usually comes down to practical questions such as:
Were risks identified and addressed?
Were instructions and training clear and documented?
Was PPE provided and actively enforced?
Was there adequate supervision and safe staffing?
Were machines, tools, and workspaces properly maintained?
Even if you made a mistake, that does not automatically mean you lose your claim. Workplace safety law is often about prevention and control, not simply blaming the worker.
Work-related traffic accidents, employer responsibility and insurance
In the Netherlands, employers must report certain serious workplace accidents under the Working Conditions Act (Arbowet). This generally applies to fatal accidents and serious accidents, such as those involving hospital admission or suspected permanent injury. The reporting duty matters because it can trigger an investigation and create important documentation.
If an employer fails to report when required, that can lead to significant fines. For your case, correct reporting and documentation can also affect the evidentiary position.
What compensation can you claim after a workplace injury?
A proper personal injury claim is not limited to medical bills. Depending on your situation, you may claim:
Lost income, including shift allowances and variable pay elements
Replacement household help, gardening help, and informal care costs
Medical expenses not covered elsewhere, including deductibles, physiotherapy, and specialist care
Travel costs for treatment
Assistance with self-care, where needed
Damage to personal property caused by the accident
Pain and suffering (non-material damage, often described as “smartengeld” in Dutch practice)
The value of a claim often depends on how early the case is positioned correctly, and how thoroughly all damage heads are documented.
What you should do immediately after a workplace accident
If the incident is recent, these steps can materially strengthen your case:
Seek medical attention and ensure your symptoms are recorded
Report the accident to your employer in writing, ask for confirmation
Ask for an incident report, and keep a copy
Collect evidence, photos, witnesses, instructions, PPE details, schedules
Keep receipts and track appointments and travel costs
Avoid signing any settlement document without legal review
Why an employment lawyer is often the right choice in workplace accident cases
Workplace injuries create two tracks at the same time:
A liability and compensation track with the employer and insurer
An employment law track involving sick leave, reintegration, pay continuation, and sometimes settlement proposals
Handling only the compensation angle can create avoidable risks in the employment track. An employment lawyer can protect your job position while pursuing compensation, which is often essential for expats.
How we help after a workplace accident
If you suffered a workplace accident, you should be with an employment lawyer who understands workplace liability, and we are fully specialised in this area. No costs for you, we recover our fees from the insurer. All damage heads are included, from medical expenses to pain and suffering. One fixed point of contact, you always speak to the same lawyer. You focus on recovery, we handle the rest.
This blog was written by Mr. Stijn Blom
Employment law attorney at expatlawyer.nl B.V. Stijn has extensive experience in employment law and supports expats and entrepreneurs on a daily basis with a wide range of employment law issues. From dismissal cases, workplace accidents to drafting watertight agreements and regulations – with his practical and personal approach, he helps employers and employees move forward. Want to know more? Visit Stijn’s page.
Expatlawyer.nl is happy to think along with you if you have questions about the topic of workplace accidents. Feel free to get in touch. You can always schedule a free online intake.
January 2026
