Here is the ergonomics legislation from
Netherlands
The information here was collated from official online sources by Ergo Global ergonomists. All information is for general purposes and cannot be considered 1-to-1 legal advice. Ergo Global disclaim any liability relating to the information provided on this page.
To Note
Netherlands does not have a single “ergonomics act,” but ergonomics regulation is integrated into its Working Conditions Decree.
Page last updated: 14/05/2026
The Duties of
The Employer
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Article 5.9. Assessment and evaluation -
(1) In the assessment and evaluation referred to in Article 5 of the Act, specific attention should be given to the visual hazards and hazards of physical and psychological stress as a result of working with a VDU.
(2) Based on the outcomes of the assessment and evaluation referred to in the first paragraph, effective measures should be taken to overcome the respective hazards taking into account the consequences of these hazards and their mutual correlation. -
Article 5.10. Timetable of the work -
The work at a VDU should be organised in such a manner that this work is alternated with other work or by a break after not more than two consecutive hours to the extent that the load of performing the work on a VDU is relieved. -
Article 5.11. Measures concerning the protection of the eyes and sight of the employees -
(1) Each employee entrusted for the first time with work on a VDU, should in addition to Section 18 of the Act be given the opportunity to submit to a work-related health examination before commencing this work. This examination should in any event concentrate on the eyes and sight.
(2) The employee should be given the opportunity to submit again to an examination as meant in the first paragraph if he is suffering from visual disorders which might be the result of working with VDU’s.
(3) If necessary because of the results of the examination mentioned in the first and second paragraph, the employee involved should be given the opportunity to submit to an ophthalmological examination.
(4) If necessary because of the results of the examination mentioned in the first to the third paragraph and where normal means of eye-correction cannot be used, the employee involved should be given special means of eye correction in connection with the respective work.
The Duties of
The Employer
🏠 for Remote Work
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Provision of an ergonomic workstation -
Your employees' home workplace must be ergonomically sound (in Dutch). This means that tools are designed so that your employees can work in a safe and healthy way. And that the human characteristics are taken into account. Consider, for example, an ergonomic mouse, good lighting, a good desk chair, or a special keyboard. -
Education -
You must educate your employees who work from home about how they can do their work safely and healthily. You should also inform them about the risks they face when working from home. Such as the risk of muscle and joint complaints (RSI) or work stress. Also, explain the rules for computer work (in Dutch). For example, if your employee works more than 2 hours a day with a computer monitor, the monitor and keyboard should not be attached to each other.
The Duties of
The Employee
- Proper use - Use work resources and hazardous substances in the correct manner.
- PPE - Use and store protective equipment made available by the employer in the correct manner.
- Co-operate - Cooperate with organised instructions.
- Report - Inform the employer of any health and safety hazards found in the organisation.
- Assistance - If necessary, assist the employer and other experts with performance of their obligations.
What's next?
Step 1
Run an ergonomics audit following these regulations.
Step 2
List out the gaps in your ergonomics policy.
Step 4
Contact Ergo Global for more support where needed.
