That there is a relationship between good working conditions, job happiness and productivity is clear. But what can you do about it as an employer and how do you save unnecessary costs? We discuss this with Ruben van Mook, director of Arbode, professionals in prevention.
It resulted in this beautiful triptych.
The Risk Inventory & Evaluation (RI&E) is mandatory for every employer. But as an entrepreneur, what can you really do with it? Ruben van Mook, director of Arbode sees the RI&E as much more than a checklist item. In this first part he explains why it is a powerful steering tool for every SME.
"Many business owners see the RI&E primarily as an obligation. I can understand that. But if you use it properly, it is much more than that. It is a way to keep a grip on your company and your people. You gain insight into the risks and can work very concretely on improvements. In this way you steer not only for safety, but also for a healthier and stronger company for the future."
"Definitely not. An RI&E is not a list you just tick off and then put in a folder. It is the basis of a good occupational health and safety policy. It allows you to choose where to start and how to approach it. And it prevents you from having to react afterwards to something that was actually visible before."
An RI&E is the basis of good occupational health and safety policy.
"Because the risks are already there. And because accidents or failure cost you much more than preventing them. In 2023, for example, there were 130,000 workplace accidents in which people were absent for at least one day. That amounts to at least 1.3 million days. If you calculate with an average of € 325 per day, you are talking about hundreds of millions in costs per year. With a good RI&E you can prevent a lot of that damage."
"Absolutely. The RI&E puts you in control as an entrepreneur. You discover where things can be improved, avoid fines and show that you want to take good care of your people. And that counts, especially in the tight labor market."
RI&E puts you in control as a business owner
What good is an RI&E if you start working with it? In this second part Ruben takes you into the practice of small and medium-sized companies that have made great strides with relatively simple solutions, for example when it comes to physical safety and mental strain. You will discover how small changes make a big difference.
"An RI&E starts with a good look: what can go wrong on the shop floor? This is not just about machines or stairs. Work pressure, aggression or unclear tasks are also risks. You list them, from large to small. Then you make an action plan. This states: what are we going to do, who will do it and when?"
An RI&E starts with a good look
"It is. And you don't have to do it alone. For example, ZekerArbo helps with the preparation of the RI&E. And if you use a recognized industry-specific instrument and employ fewer than 25 people, you don't even have to have the RI&E tested. The important thing is: you see where the risks are, and you start doing something with them."
"Sure. One company discovered through the RI&E that there were too few lifting aids in the warehouse. Employees were getting back problems as a result. With a few smart tools, that was solved. Or take a metal company that has improved extraction when welding. Less welding fumes, healthier employees. That kind of adjustment often costs little, but delivers a lot."
"Yes, and that is much needed. At a veterinary clinic, they asked in the RI&E how employees experienced leadership. They experienced stress as a result of being in charge. Discussing this during work meetings and clear agreements made a big difference. At an advertising agency, the workload was addressed after signs of overwork. Less absenteeism, more energy. These are direct gains. And the best part is: employees really feel heard. That affects both the atmosphere and job satisfaction."
A safe workplace is worth gold to your people and to you as an employer. In this last part of the triptych, Ruben explains why an up-to-date RI&E is also important for your image, your insurance and your attractiveness on the job market. Because taking good care of your employees is also smart business.
"Because with a good RI&E you show that you take your people seriously. And that you are acting professionally as an employer. That not only helps to prevent problems, but also to attract and retain staff."
"More and more employees - especially younger generations - find it important that their employer ensures a safe and healthy workplace. If you can show that you have that well organized, for example with an up-to-date RI&E, you are a more attractive employer. Especially in sectors where good staff is scarce."
"That's an important point. If something happens in the workplace and you don't have an RI&E, an insurer may decide not to pay out. Think of an industrial accident. That risk is often underestimated, but the financial consequences can be huge. So an RI&E is not only a means of protection for your people, but also for yourself as an entrepreneur."
"It depends on your situation. Do you have fewer than 25 employees? Then you can get started yourself with a recognized industry-specific RI&E instrument via rie.nl, for example. But you can also outsource it. ZekerArbo helps SME'ers daily with the drafting and execution of a practical RI&E. Then you know for sure that everything is correct and that it is workable."
"Don't wait until something goes wrong. The RI&E helps you get ahead of problems. It is not a paper obligation, it is a practical steering tool. Use it to make your company safer, healthier and more future-proof. And do that together with a party that knows what's going on in your sector."
Do you want to get started with the RI&E, but do not know where to start? ZekerArbo gladly helps you with a practical approach that fits your company. Feel free to contact us.
