Workplace accident in the Netherlands: what to record in the first 48 hours

1. Notify the employer in writing

When safe and your health permits, send a short account with the date, time, place, task and what happened. If employed through an agency, also inform the agency. If unable to work, follow the sickness reporting procedure. Ask for acknowledgement.

• Keep your contract, rota and correspondence.
• Record witnesses’ contact details with their consent.
• Keep safely taken photographs of the scene; do not post them in group chats.

2. Check the inspectorate notification

The employer must immediately notify the Netherlands Labour Authority of a workplace accident involving hospital admission, permanent injury or death. If such a consequence emerges later, immediate notification is still required. Ask for written confirmation that it was reported and for the reference number.

3. Check sick pay separately

Generally, employees receive at least 70% of wages in the first sickness year, no less than minimum wage; in the second year at least 70%, without a mandatory minimum-wage top-up. The collective agreement or contract may provide more. Contract expiry and agency work need separate assessment.

4. Prepare a file for individual assessment

Create a short timeline with your notification, replies, payslips and evidence of expenses. Store medical records separately and share them only with the appropriate recipient through a secure channel. Have the consequences checked before signing a waiver of claims or a termination agreement. Reporting to the inspectorate does not itself guarantee compensation.