Temporary agency workers face a significantly higher risk of serious workplace accidents than permanent employees. Recent figures clearly demonstrate this and emphasize that employers and employment agencies share responsibility for safety and compensating damages. In this article, we outline the current situation, your rights as a victim, and how you can file a personal injury claim.
Figures from recent research
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In 2024, inspectors investigated over 3,200 workplace accidents, of which 52 were fatal.
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Particularly temporary agency workers are overrepresented in these statistics: they account for a much larger share of victims than their proportion of the workforce.
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In 2024, it was found that 69% of inspected companies had deficiencies in working conditions for temporary agency workers.
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Scientific research shows that temporary agency workers are relatively more likely to experience a workplace accident than employees with a permanent contract, although the causal factors are often complex.
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Many workplace accidents remain under the radar: possibly up to 50–70% of reportable accidents are not reported.
This data underscores that this topic is not only relevant but also urgent for those working on temporary or agency contracts.
Why temporary agency workers are particularly vulnerable
There are several reasons why temporary agency workers are more frequently involved in workplace accidents:
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Short contracts & changing workplaces
Due to the temporary and changing nature of clients and locations, safety instruction may be less consistent or less well-known. -
Insufficient introduction and supervision
In many cases, a proper workplace introduction or structural supervision is lacking, especially at hiring companies. -
Language and communication barriers
Migrant workers or employees with limited knowledge of Dutch may have difficulty understanding safety instructions, which increases the risk. -
Lack of personal connection
As an employee with a temporary contract, the personal connection is weaker; this can hinder genuine investments in safety and aftercare. -
Sector-specific hazardous activities
Temporary agency workers are more commonly found in sectors such as construction, agriculture, industry, and logistics — work areas where hazards are inherently present.
Your rights as a victim of a workplace accident
As a temporary agency worker, you have (in many cases) the same rights as permanent employees when it comes to liability and compensation. Below are the key points:
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Report the accident
Employers are required to immediately report serious accidents to the Labour Inspectorate, for example in cases of hospitalization, permanent injury, or death. -
Liability and personal injury claim
You can hold the persons or entities responsible for the accident liable — this may be the hiring company, the employment agency, or others. You can claim compensation for medical costs, loss of income, pain and suffering compensation, etc. -
Investigation and evidence
Collect evidence: photos of the workplace, statements from colleagues, medical reports. Your legal representative will help present these. -
Cooperation between parties
The liable party must handle your damages, even if there is a dispute about who exactly is at fault. You do not have to wait for that to be resolved. -
Compliance with duty of care
Employers (both hiring companies and employment agencies) have a legal obligation to guarantee a safe working environment — this includes adequate instruction, supervision, and compliance with safety regulations.
Step-by-step plan: what can you do after a workplace accident?
| Step | Action | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Take care of your health and immediately document the accident (photos, witnesses) | Preserve evidence before traces disappear |
| 2 | Report the accident to the employer/hiring company and – if applicable – employment agency | Legal reporting obligation and start of formal procedure |
| 3 | Request copies of relevant documents, such as work schedules and instructions | These may be important later for your claim |
| 4 | Get a medical examination and keep all reports and invoices | Necessary for the damage claim |
| 5 | Contact a specialized personal injury lawyer | You do not have to fight the insurer yourself |
| 6 | Have your lawyer establish liability and start the damage calculation | Ensure all damage items are included |
| 7 | Request an advance payment if liability is acknowledged | Prevents you from having to cover costs yourself |
| 8 | Monitor the progress and send supplements to the opposing party | Keep the case sharp and up to date |
| 9 | Cooperate with the final medical assessment or report | Necessary for definitive settlement |
| 10 | When you agree: finalization and final payment | Ensure everything is properly closed legally |
Why engaging a lawyer is wise
Although you could theoretically handle the procedure yourself, there are clear advantages to engaging a specialized lawyer:
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Your case is professionally and fully mapped out (no forgotten damage items).
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You do not have to communicate with insurers yourself — the lawyer takes over that task.
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The lawyer knows the legal pitfalls and ensures you receive the maximum you are entitled to.
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In most cases, the legal costs are free of charge for you — the liable insurer reimburses them.
FAQ: frequently asked questions about temporary agency workers and workplace accidents
1. Why do temporary agency workers more often end up in workplace accidents?
Because they more often perform hazardous tasks, have less connection with the workplace, and more frequently change workplaces without an established safety culture.
2. Can I also receive compensation if the employment agency claims I made an error?
Yes, if you can demonstrate that the error was partly caused by insufficient instruction, inadequate supervision, or unsafe conditions.
3. What if the accident was not reported by the employer?
That is a violation of the law — you can still take legal action. Moreover, since 2024, there is a so-called dual reporting obligation for agency work accidents.
4. How long does a personal injury procedure take after a workplace accident?
That varies considerably, depending on how quickly liability is acknowledged, how complex the medical situation is, and whether there is a dispute about damage items.
5. Should I engage a lawyer immediately?
You do not have to immediately, but the sooner the better. Especially in formal procedures and complex claims, legal support is often crucial.