The Dutch Labor Inspectorate is very concerned about an increase in the number of fatal work accidents. In the first half of this year, approximately forty people have died at work. In all of 2024, that number was 52, a spokesperson confirms after reports by the NOS.
“We are halfway through the year. If we continue at this rapid pace, we cannot rule out that we will exceed 52,” the spokesperson says. According to him, the risk of accidents is greater around the holiday period. Many people want to finish their work before going on vacation. “And then you see that things often go wrong.”
Employers also do not always take enough safety measures to prevent accidents, for example against falls or when working with machines. Furthermore, the Labor Inspectorate believes that employees should be more aware of the reason why safety measures are important.
One of the fatal accidents occurred in June in the port of Rotterdam. During the unloading of steel plates, things went wrong, causing two people to die. Two others were injured.