BHV-Weesp
“Do I actually have to arrange emergency response as an employer?” The short answer is yes. The Working Conditions Act requires every employer to organise emergency response provision. In this article we explain exactly what that obligation involves and how to work out what you need in your situation.
What does the law say?
The Dutch Working Conditions Act requires every employer to take effective measures for first aid, fire fighting and the evacuation of employees and other people present. In practice this means appointing and training one or more emergency responders. The obligation applies from the very first employee — there is no lower threshold.
How many responders do I need?
The law does not name a fixed number. It depends on a risk inventory and evaluation: how great are the risks, how many people are present, how is the building laid out and what are the opening hours? A rule of thumb many organisations use is at least one trained responder per roughly 50 people present, but with elevated risks or several floors you will need more.
- Allow for holidays, sickness and shift work
- Make sure there are always enough responders present
- Record your reasoning in your risk inventory
Sole trader or freelancer?
Do you work alone, without staff? Then you are not required to set up an emergency response organisation, but you remain responsible for the safety of visitors and yourself. A CPR or first aid course is a sensible choice in that case.
“Emergency response is not a paper obligation, but the basis for making a difference in an emergency.”
Need help arranging emergency response?
BHV-Weesp helps organisations in Weesp and the surrounding area meet their emergency response obligation quickly and properly. We train your staff as emergency responders in a single day and help you think through how many responders make sense in your situation. Feel free to get in touch and we will look at what fits.
Questions about your emergency response obligation? Get in touch with BHV-Weesp — we are happy to think along with you and work in Weesp and the surrounding area.