Document background
The Workplace Risk Assessment (RI&E) is a fundamental requirement under Dutch labor law, specifically mandated by the Working Conditions Act (Arbowet). This document must be maintained by all organizations with employees in the Netherlands, with only limited exceptions for self-employed individuals without staff. The assessment serves multiple purposes: it identifies and evaluates workplace hazards, documents existing safety measures, and outlines required improvements through a detailed action plan. Organizations with more than 25 employees must have their RI&E validated by a certified occupational health and safety service (Arbodienst). The document must be updated when workplace conditions change significantly or when new risks emerge, and it forms the cornerstone of an organization's health and safety management system. Employee participation in the assessment process is mandatory, typically through the Works Council or employee representatives.
