SPECIALTIES
Working conditions – health & safety
The workplace should be a safe environment, with proper working conditions. These are safeguarded by the Working Conditions Act (‘Arbowet’).
The Inspectorate SZW Social Affairs & Employment, formerly the Labour Inspectorate) monitors whether employers comply with this Act. In case of a suspected violation of the law, the Inspectorate SZW –under the supervision of the Public Prosecutor’s Office– can open a criminal investigation. For example, in case of accidents on the job, collapsed buildings or other constructions, fires and/or explosions, calamities.
Our lawyers have extensive experience in handling these kinds of cases. Generally, we will assist companies and their management and safety experts as soon after the incident or calamity as possible. Even if the Inspectorate is merely investigating the event, with no suspicion as yet whether a criminal offence has been committed. We will carry out an internal investigation, analyse the safety policies and their compliance and we will prepare our clients for interviews by the inspectors. Of course, we do the same should a client already be involved in a criminal investigation.
As a rule, the sooner we are involved, the more effective our assistance can be. Should our client have to appear before the criminal court, we will prepare the hearing together and will accompany him/her in Court.
