Why is a RI&E important?

Conducting a Risk Inventory & Evaluation (RI&E) is mandatory for every business owner with staff. An RI&E is used to understand the risks involved in the work.

Article 5. lid 4 of the Working Conditions Act (Arbowet) states that an RI&E must remain up to date in case of (risk) changes. This means that conducting a RI&E is a continuous process. To make it easier to conduct a RI&E, RI&E tools have been developed for specific industries. These tools can be found here.

Part of a RI&E is the Plan of Action (PVA). This includes what actions will be taken for a particular risk. Past workplace accidents should also be documented.

A prevention officer assists the management in raise and maintaining the safety and health of employees. In this way, a prevention officer also supports the implementation of an RI&E and thus also the Plan of Action. A prevention officer can be assisted in this by Occupational Health and Safety experts or an Occupational Health and Safety Service. An Occupational Health and Safety Service or Health and Safety expert reviews the RI&E and the Plan of Action.

The SZW inspectors may ask for a RI&E during a company visit. In the event of an inspection, sanctions can be issued immediately (without warning). There is an immediate penalty for not having a RI&E. The (maximum) fine for insufficient compliance with the RI&E is €4500. The fine for not having a Plan of Action is €3000. Direct fines are also issued for deficiencies in a Plan of Action.

A checklist has been developed for entrepreneurs with up to 40 hours per week of staff employed (the hours of all employees combined). This checklist can be found here.  

An RI&E is therefore used to gain insight into risks. Preventive measures can make work healthier and safer. The purpose of a RI&E is to ensure that all employees can continue to work healthily & safely.

When was the last time an RI&E was conducted at your company?