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Organizations that take safety seriously now have an additional tool at their disposal. VCA-MAX has been recognized by the Governance Code for Safety in Construction as evidence of Level 3 safety compliance in tenders (ViA). According to Laurens Seinhorst of Aboma Consultancy, this is good news, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises.
The certification follows an assessment of VCA—expanded to include the behavior module (VCA-MAX)—by independent research institutes. “It was determined that the system provides sufficient safeguards to meet the requirements of safety culture level 3,” says Laurens, who immediately adds a caveat. “The updated Guide to Safety in Public Procurement (June 2026 version) states that VCA-MAX is accepted as proof of compliance for small and medium-sized enterprises with up to 250 employees.”.
The question Aboma is asked most often these days is: Should we choose VCA-MAX or the Safety Culture Ladder? “That’s actually the wrong question,” says Laurens. “What’s much more important is: where do you want to go as an organization, and what requirements do your clients have? Only then should you choose the tool that best fits those goals. For many small and medium-sized businesses that already work with VCA, VCA-MAX is a logical next step. The existing safety system is expanded to include additional focus on leadership, safety discussions, behavioral aspects, and actively involving employees. For organizations that want to progress toward a higher level of maturity in safety culture or serve clients who require at least Level 4 for specific projects—such as ProRail—we recommend following the Safety Culture Ladder. VCA-MAX does not address those requirements.”
According to Laurens, the VCA-MAX certification aligns seamlessly with the amended Working Conditions Act. “Since July 1, Article 12 has been expanded, requiring employers to involve employees more actively in risk assessments, policy, and decision-making,” he says. “This shifts the focus further and further away from purely technical and organizational measures toward human behavior, leadership, and a learning-oriented safety culture.” According to Laurens, that is exactly where the sector is headed. “The discussion shouldn’t be about which tool is best. With this recognition, there’s more room to choose a safety approach that fits the organization. After all, safety isn’t ultimately about a certificate on the wall, but about a culture in which people help each other every day to go home safely, healthily, and happily.”
