RI&E: the way to healthy and safe work

As an entrepreneur, you know how valuable your employees are to the success of your company. That is why you want to protect them against accidents, illness and drop-outs. Not only for them, but also for the future of your company. A risk inventory and evaluation (RI&E) can help you with this. Did you know that having an RI&E is also a legal obligation?

An RI&E is a tool that helps you identify occupational risks in the work environment. When drawing up an RI&E, you systematically check the possible risks on your work floor. You then define in a Plan of Action which measures can be used to control the risks, who is going to implement the measures and within what period of time. By constantly adjusting this plan, your RI&E will grow along with your company. And that benefits everyone: it not only leads to less absenteeism, but also promotes job satisfaction and productivity. In addition, as an employer you meet a legal obligation under the Working Conditions Act by drawing up an RI&E.

Three advantages of an RI&E

1.    An RI&E also identifies less visible risks: the risks of working with hazardous substances, large appliances or sharp objects are often known. But does this also apply to work pressure, a lot of screen work and prolonged sitting or standing? Invisible risks can have major consequences for the health of your employees. Some risks are structurally underestimated. Think of frequent or heavy lifting, but also working in an environment with loud noises or poor ventilation. By drawing up an RI&E you map out all risks, visible and invisible. 

2.    An RI&E helps you to control and prevent risks: an RI&E also includes a plan of action. Mapping out risks is a nice first step, but in the end, of course, you want to take measures to avoid the risks. You do that with a plan of approach.

3.    An RI&E keeps you and your employees on their toes: in the course of time, new risks may arise or risks may change. By purchasing new equipment and changing work processes. But also by new risks from outside that you previously did not take into account, such as the new coronavirus. The obligation to regularly update your RI&E keeps you on your toes and keeps your risks under control. In addition, RI&E is a good tool for sharing and discussing risks and measures with your employees. So that it is clear to everyone how to work healthily and safely and accidents can be prevented.

An RI&E and corona protocols

The new coronavirus creates new risks, such as contamination and spread of the virus in the workplace. For many employees in the food industry, working from home is not an option. How do you ensure that they can still work safely and healthily? Because even on production lines you don't just apply the 1.5 metre distance rule. How do you deal with uncertain factors, such as the possible increased risk of contamination at certain temperatures or humidity? And are additional measures necessary to guarantee food quality? Many companies and (branch) organisations have drawn up a corona protocol to answer these kinds of questions. Important to know: corona protocols have no legal status in occupational health and safety regulations. It is therefore necessary to include them in your RI&E and translate them to your company. In the RI&E, the corona virus must be explicitly designated as a risk and measures must be taken to prevent infection and spread.

Taking measures

"The greatest danger on our workfloor is the cutting machines we use to process vegetables, that was obvious", says Marco van Eeden van Van Mossel Vegetables and Fruit Laren. "But also lifting heavy crates, work pressure and customer aggression are risks. Corona contamination has recently been added to this, of course. With the RI&E we have properly mapped out the risks and taken the necessary measures. Moreover, with the help of the RI&E, I can train new employees well and easily teach them safe working methods".

Getting started - start your route to RI&E

There are several ways to start with an RI&E. You can start drawing up an RI&E independently, but you can also make use of a digital tool, for example a branch instrument of your branch organisation. Finally, it is possible to hire an external health and safety expert to help you draw up an RI&E. 

To help entrepreneurs get started, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment has developed the website routenaar.rie.nl in collaboration with a broad group of partners. This is an updated website of the RI&E Policy Research Centre. On this website, you can discover in a few simple steps which route to the RI&E is best for your company and you can immediately get started with your own RI&E.

www.routenaar.rie.nl