Health And Safety At Work – What It Is And Why It Matters To You

When you’re a skilled technical professional, working in complex environments – like transport infrastructure, petrochemical plants, and shipyards – comes with unique safety challenges. So we want you to know that when you’re employed by InAxtion on projects in the Netherlands, your safety is our top priority.

For InAxtion it is highly important to ensure that you’re well-informed, well-equipped, and well-protected when working on-site for one of our clients. Here’s why it matters.

Understanding the biggest threats to safety

One of the biggest challenges we face in keeping people safe is ensuring everyone onsite understands the safety protocols. Most accidents occur due to human error – when people stop paying attention or take shortcuts. This is why safety awareness is an essential part of your daily routine. By prioritizing safety, you not only protect yourself, but also your colleagues, and everyone else around you.

Depending on the project you’re on and the work you do, you might have to handle heavy machinery, work at heights, or enter environments where there are hazardous materials. Being safe can sometimes be further complicated when the people on your team speak different languages. That’s why a good understanding of English or Dutch is essential.

Why safety matters to everyone

As your employer, InAxtion has a duty to ensure that you’re prepared and aware of potential risks before you even set foot on a project site. However, the companies you work for will also have their own strict safety protocols. Each workplace has its own safety standards with varying stringency. Whatever the case, if an emergency arises, it’s critical that workers know exactly what to do.

Safety is something we take very seriously at InAxtion, and we’re extremely proud of our safety record. We want you to know that you’re in safe hands, but you also need to be aware that workplace safety is a shared responsibility. As a worker, you play a key role in your own safety by following procedures, staying alert, and using the correct protective equipment.

That’s why everyone is required to pass safety training before starting a project.

Safety training and certification

To ensure a high level of safety awareness, here at InAxtion we provide essential training before you start a job. Every worker must obtain the VCA certification, which is the Dutch safety, health, and environment checklist for contractors. This certification ensures you understand workplace risks and know how to mitigate them.

For specialized roles, additional training is required. For example, if your job involves operating a cherry picker, you must complete a separate certification before using the equipment. We ensure that no one is asked to perform a task they’re not trained for.

Beyond training, InAxtion also conducts regular safety audits and collaborates with employers to ensure that all workplaces comply with Dutch safety regulations. The companies we work with have their own safety managers who perform safety rounds, checking that equipment is maintained and workers are following protocols.

Everyday safety practices

To reinforce safety best practices, InAxtion and our partners conduct on-site safety observations. This isn’t about handing out warnings – it’s about making sure everyone is aware of potential hazards and correcting unsafe behavior before accidents happen. Simple things like keeping your workspace tidy, wearing the right protective gear, and ensuring tools are in good condition can prevent serious incidents.

All tools provided by InAxtion are inspected before being issued to workers. Electrical tools, for example, undergo annual safety checks to prevent risks like electrocution. Every InAxtion office has a certified inspector to ensure all equipment meets safety standards.

The final word on safety – it’s everyone’s responsibility

At InAxtion, we see our workers as part of a community. You’ve left your home country to build a better future, and we want to ensure that you return safely to your family after every shift. That’s why we take safety so seriously – because your well-being matters to us.

By following training guidelines, staying alert on the job, and supporting one another, we can maintain a safe working environment for all. If you ever have concerns about workplace safety, speak up. Safety officers and colleagues are there to listen and act.

Your safety is our priority – because every worker deserves to be safe.

Upcoming events for health and safety at work:

  • March 26th, 2025: Consciously Safe DayBewust Veilig-dag. On this day, hundreds of companies in the construction, technology, infrastructure, and maintenance sectors pay extra attention to safe and healthy working.