Accidents at work can happen easily. You might slip on a wet floor, get injured by a machine, or sustain an injury during a work visit or staff outing. Every year, tens of thousands of people in the Netherlands experience workplace accidents. Many of them are entitled to compensation—but don’t know it.

What is a Workplace Accident?

A workplace accident (also called an occupational accident) is an accident that occurs during work, at the workplace, or during working hours. This could be in an office, at a construction site, while traveling, or even during breaks or team outings. If you sustain an injury as a result, you may be entitled to personal injury compensation.

Employer Usually Liable

Employers have a duty of care. They are obligated to provide a safe working environment, clear instructions, and well-maintained equipment. If this is not the case, the employer is liable for your personal injury. Even if the accident seems partly your fault, the employer may still be responsible.

Only in cases of deliberate intent or conscious recklessness by the employee does this liability expire—which rarely happens in practice.

Common Workplace Accidents

Recognizable situations where personal injury can occur at work:

• Injury from machinery: fingers caught in a press, burns, cuts, or entrapment. Often due to poor maintenance or inadequate instruction.

• Slipping or tripping: on a slippery floor in the warehouse or over loose cables in the office.

• Traffic accident during work hours: for example, while traveling to a client or making a delivery.

• Physical or psychological damage from workplace aggression: such as threats in healthcare, law enforcement, or retail.

• Falling from a ladder or scaffold: often due to inadequate safety measures or lack of fall protection.

What to Do after a Workplace Accident?

1. Report the accident immediately to your supervisor.

2. Seek medical help: have your injury documented by a doctor.

3. Gather evidence: photos, witness statements, accident reports.

4. Get legal assistance: have a personal injury specialist support you.

5. Record your expenses: from medical costs to lost income or household assistance.

Traffic Accident During Work Hours?

If you’re traveling for work and get involved in a collision, this often also qualifies as a workplace accident. Your employer is then liable in many cases—even if you caused the accident yourself. You can claim damages from your employer or their insurance, such as WEGAM or WEGAS insurance.

Justera is Ready to Help You

At Justera, we help workplace accident victims claim their personal injury compensation at no cost. Our experts handle everything for you, so you can focus on recovery. Your damages are often covered by the employer’s insurance—so there are no personal consequences for your boss.

Not sure if your employer is liable? Feel free to contact us. We’ll think along with you without any obligation.

📞 Call us or leave your details via the contact form.