Occupational accidents and employers’ liability

The employer has a duty to ensure the safety in the working environment. If this is violated and the employee is injured while working, the employer may be liable.

Strict duty of care

The employer has a broad duty of care regarding the working environment. For example, the employer must ensure that the workplace, machines and equipment are safe and must provide protective devices. The employer must also give instructions and take measures to prevent employees from being injured at work, and he must ensure that these are observed. If the employer’s measures are not adequate and an employee is injured, the employer is liable.

Limitations on the duty of care

However, there are limits on the duty of care. In one example, there was a case in which a catering employee cut her hand while she was working. As this work was not very different to one commonly occurring at home, and it is well-known that the knife for cutting rolls is sharp, the employer was not held liable.

More information

GMW lawyers will be happy to help you with all your employment-related legal issues. If you have any questions, please contact us directly using the enquiry form below or +31 (0)70 3615048. Our pension and employment lawyers will be happy to support and advise you.

Lawyers

Amber Willemsen

Godelijn Boonman

Prof. Hans van Meerten

Koen Vermeulen

Roos van Zaltbommel

Seliz Demirci

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Looking for an employment law lawyer in The Hague?

GMW lawyers will be happy to help you with all your employment law issues. Our lawyers assist both employers and employees.

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