Explanation
The Arbowet sets the framework: the employer is responsible for a safe and healthy workplace and pursues policy to achieve that. Employees also have duties, such as handling equipment carefully and cooperating with safety measures.
The law is drafted in general terms. Its detail is set out in, among others, the Arbobesluit (Working Conditions Decree) and the Arbeidsomstandighedenregeling (Regulation), and sectors often draw up an arbocatalogus with agreements on how to meet the requirements. Topics include the risk assessment, emergency response, occupational health services, information and instruction, and accident records.
The Arbowet is not a standard or certificate like ISO 45001 or VCA. Those schemes are voluntary or come from clients and do not replace the law. The law always applies, with or without a certificate. The Labour Authority supervises compliance. For the current rules, use the official sources, such as the Dutch Arboportaal.
Example from practice
An employer who buys a new machine includes its risks in the risk assessment and instructs employees on safe use. An employee follows the instruction and reports defects.
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