Dutch-based trade union CNV (Christelijk Nationaal Vakverbond) wants temporary employees to be better protected against accidents at work.

The CNV said the safety of flex workers does not receive sufficient attention and that self-regulation for safe working conditions also falls short.

The union calls upon the SZW Inspectorate, part of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment, which deals with fair, healthy and safe working conditions and socio-economic security, to supervise and maintain the safety of agency work. The union added that the focus now is only on self-regulation, which they say is not enough.

During a meeting with the House of Representatives yesterday in which working conditions were discussed, CNV chair Maurice Limmen, commented, 'Temporary workers are up to 70% more likely to be victims of an accident at work than regular employees.” Limmen cited data from the SZW Inspectorate.

The chance of an accident that leads to at least 4 days of absence is about 40% higher for temporary employees than regular employees, according to the CNV. The chance of an accident that leads to at least one day of absence is 60% higher for temporary employees than regular employees.

“The number of accidents at work among temporary employees is increasing every year,” Limmen said. “At the end of 2017, one fifth of registered victims is a temporary worker.”

Limmen added that many temporary employment agencies and companies are completely irresponsible with the safety of temporary workers.

“A disgrace,” Limmen continued. “I expect nothing more than that the State Secretary will now come up with measures: more supervision. Having only self-regulation obviously does not work.”

Limmen suggested having a taskforce especially for situations where temporary workers are present.