Abroad|07/07/15

BELGIUM: One construction site out of two halted during a Labour Inspection operation

Home > The news of EUROGIP and occupational risks in Europe > BELGIUM: One construction site out of two halted during a Labour Inspection operation

On 18 June 2015, the Labour Inspectors carried out a crackdown throughout Belgium to inspect construction sites. The 140 inspectors focused on SMEs and VSEs and on the most severe violations causing the most serious occupational injuries. Accordingly, risks related to scaffolding, and falls from a height more generally, were a focal point of these inspections.

The results of the operation are rather negative in terms of risk prevention:

  • Only 20% of employers were in conformity;
  • In 50% of cases, the inspectors stopped the construction site;
  • In 30% of cases, a written warning notice was sent to the employer;
  • Five reports were drawn up for the legal authorities.

The Federal Public Service for Employment, Labour and Social Consultation, equivalent to the French Ministry of Employment, calls on the sector to take its responsibilities and act energetically, noting that one in four fatal accidents occurs there. An awareness raising campaign is due to be carried out shortly and inspections will be performed at the end of 2016.
To find out more (in French)

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