Migrant workers are the most exposed to fatal workplace accidents in the Netherlands
In the first six months of this year, 40 people lost their lives in work-related accidents in the Netherlands, according to NOS based on figures from the Labor Inspectorate. This number is high compared to last year, when 52 deaths were recorded for the entire year. It appears that migrant workers make up a large proportion of the victims. Rob Bouwman, a representative of the Labor Inspectorate, expressed his concern about the "notable increase that worries us," noting that the reasons are still unclear, especially since the number of deaths had seemed stable in previous years.
The FNV labor union warned that the year 2025 could match or exceed the figures of 2023, when 72 people died at work sites. The causes of accidents indicate that the victims often work in sectors known for their danger, such as construction, agriculture, transportation, and industry. The FNV union stated that many migrant workers are employed in the construction and agriculture sectors, which are among the most dangerous. These workers often hold low-paid temporary jobs that do not require skills and suffer from significant dependency on employers, reducing their chances of reporting poor working conditions. Additionally, language barriers prevent them from properly understanding instructions and warnings, and they often do not receive adequate training.
For its part, the Occupational Accidents Foundation, which advocates for victims and their families, believes that the labor shortage also contributes to the increase in accidents due to the growing pressure to complete work quickly, as confirmed by the foundation's president, Klass Zwart.
A previous study by the institution revealed that accidents occur more frequently in small and medium-sized enterprises due to their lack of knowledge of the laws and their inability to invest in a safe working environment.
Rob Bauman from the Labor Inspection emphasized the necessity for companies not to skimp on occupational safety, affirming that continuous investment in a safe work environment leads to a reduction in accidents, absenteeism, productivity losses, and occupational hazards.