BMWT inspections can proceed safely thanks to sector protocol

In April, the cabinet called on everyone in the Netherlands to start preparing for the one-and-a-half-meter economy. BMWT has taken on the task of drawing up an industry protocol for BMWT members in consultation with Fedecom and RAI Association. This protocol makes it possible for BMWT inspections to proceed in a safe manner.

After all, periodic inspections of work equipment are mandatory under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and regulations. It is a duty of a good employer to create a safe workplace for employees and therefore to have work equipment that poses a danger when worn out inspected as often as necessary to keep it in good condition.

This protocol is tailored for members of BMWT, however, available to everyone free of charge. BMWT therefore calls on everyone in the industry to adhere to this additional protocol.

Indeed, in late March, the protocol "Working safely together" was presented by unions, government and employer organizations in the construction and engineering industries. BMWT endorses this protocol. However, important scenarios are missing and on some points BMWT sets stricter requirements.

The protocol is therefore prepared as an "addendum." It should be read together with the "Working safely together" protocol. BMWT has deliberately chosen a high-level protocol, without many prescriptive regulations and addenda. This gives every entrepreneur the freedom to apply the various handles properly in their own company.

The protocol was offered to the Ministry of Economic Affairs, which coordinated the review process within various ministries and disciplines. The ministry gave a positive recommendation to use the protocol, provided that minor additions were made. The additions have since been processed, so we can now present our "approved" protocol. Attached is our sector protocol 'Working safely together'.

For our industry, a meter-and-a-half protocol is neither necessary nor mandatory. Unlike the government-enforced closed industries. Therefore, the protocol has not been reviewed by the government. However, we have made sure that it does not contain any contradictory points with related industries or similar activities in completely different industries. In recent weeks we have seen that suppliers and customers have taken measures to prevent as much as possible the spread of the corona virus during service and maintenance work and inspection. The protocol systematically records the methods used.

For questions about this protocol, please contact Mr. Sebastiaan Plazier, BMWT Policy and Regulation Advisor, at s.plazier@bmwt.nl