Accident at Work—What Should You Do?

An accident at work can set you back in an instant—physically, financially, and mentally. A study by Statistics Netherlands (CBS) shows that in 2020, there were tens of thousands of workplace accidents resulting in at least four days of absence. This makes it clear that you’re not alone, but it also reveals something else: this is an issue where employers, insurers, and regulations often intersect.

In this blog post, you’ll learn when your employer may be liable, what you need to document, what damages you can claim, and why employment law is often decisive, especially in cases of workplace accidents.

Causes we often see in case files

Most workplace accidents are not caused by a single spectacular mistake, but by a combination of factors:

Slippery floors, cluttered walkways, poor maintenance
Lifting heavy objects or excessive physical strain
Insufficient instruction or inadequate supervision
Unsafe machines, no guards, no checklists
Structural workload, understaffing, risks that are becoming “normal”

It is precisely this combination of factors that often brings employer liability into the picture.

When is an incident considered a work-related accident?

In short, a workplace accident is an injury that occurs during working hours or in connection with work. Examples include:

Fall from a ladder, scaffold, or staircase
Injuries caused by machinery or tools
Accidents in Logistics, Construction, Manufacturing, and Healthcare
Injury caused by a coworker or by unsafe work practices

In certain situations, psychological harm may also be considered, but the case file must be legally and medically sound.

Employer Liability, the Duty of Care Under Article 7:658 of the Dutch Civil Code

The employer has a duty of care, and it is a serious one. Under Article 7:658 of the Dutch Civil Code, the employer must do everything reasonably necessary to prevent harm. Safety instructions, work procedures, PPE, supervision, maintenance, risk assessment—these are not mere formalities; they are the core of the matter.

For your claim, this means that you must prove that you sustained an injury while at work, and then the employer must generally demonstrate that it fulfilled its duty of care.

And that is exactly why documenting the incident, gathering evidence, and issuing a proper initial notice of liability are so important.

Traffic Accident While on the Job—Don’t Forget This

Driving for work, visiting clients, or transporting goods on-site can result in injury. In such cases, the employer may also be liable, depending on the circumstances and the insurance coverage. In addition, the principle of good employment practices (Article 7:611 of the Dutch Civil Code) may be relevant, for example regarding the obligation to adequately protect employees and arrange for insurance coverage.

Reporting Requirements and the Labor Inspectorate

In the event of serious workplace accidents, an employer is often required to report the incident to the Labor Inspectorate. This is particularly the case when hospitalization is required, when an injury is suspected to be permanent, or in the event of a fatal accident. Proper reporting ensures that the incident is formally documented, and failure to report it can result in fines.

What compensation can you claim after a workplace accident?

A well-prepared insurance claim typically includes:

Loss of wages, including allowances, ORT, and bonuses, where applicable
Medical expenses, deductible, physical therapy, and treatments
Travel Expenses to Healthcare Providers
Help with Household Chores and Around the Home
Self-Care and Practical Support
Compensation for pain, discomfort, grief, and limitations
Property damage, broken items

We often see that victims focus on the medical aspects, while the financial and practical damages can actually add up quickly. It pays to structure this properly from the start.

Practical Checklist: What to Do After a Work-Related Accident

Report the accident immediately and confirm it by email
Request an incident report and write your own report
Gather witnesses, photos, instructions, and PPE information
Keep medical records and receipts, even for small expenses
Do not sign anything—including a VSO, if applicable—without a legal review
Have the liability notice drafted professionally; its content and tone will determine your next steps

Our free expert assistance

If you’ve been in a workplace accident, you need to consult an employment law attorney—and we specialize exclusively in this area. There are no costs to you; we recover our fees from the insurer. We take all damages into account, from medical expenses to compensation for pain and suffering. You’ll have a single point of contact—you’ll always speak with the same attorney. You focus on your recovery; we’ll take care of the rest. Schedule a free online consultation today.

This blog was written by Stijn Blom, Esq., an employment law attorney at Arbeidsadvocaat.nl B.V. Stijn has extensive experience in employment law and assists employers and employees on a daily basis with a wide range of employment law issues. From dismissal cases and workplace accidents to drafting watertight agreements and policies—with his practical and personalized approach, he helps employers and employees move forward. Want to learn more? Visit Stijn’s page.

Arbeidsadvocaat.nl is happy to help you if you have any questions about a workplace accident. Please feel free to contact us .

January 2026