NederlandsHave you noticed that within Actief Werkt! we think security is very important? Sure, you can't really get around that. Who are the colleagues behind our safety campaigns? We introduce Carin and Nienke to you. We asked them how they ensure safety for flex colleagues in their work and what their wishes are for the future.
Nienke works as a quality officer at Actief Techniek , in Groningen . She also lives in Groningen , together with her boyfriend and recently also with two cats.
Carin has been working at Actief Werkt! since 1996, of which 16 years as a quality manager. She is married and mother of 2 daughters.
Why is security within Actief Werkt! and Actief Techniek so important?
Carin: We are the employer of our flex colleagues, but we are not on the work floor ourselves. So we can't keep an eye on whether it is safe there. That our people can do their work safely is an important part of this. So we have a lot of contact about this with the companies we work with, and we inform our flex colleagues as well as possible. We do that in advance, but also when people have already started working.”
How do people hear about safety?
“Before they start, they receive information about the working conditions and the measures that have been taken to limit risks. For all working flex colleagues, we also pay attention to safe working every quarter. A topic is always central. Now that is 'Do you report unsafe situations?'. In this way we make people aware that safety requires constant attention.”
Are there many accidents in the workplace?
Nienke: Research shows that temporary workers are more often involved in industrial accidents than permanent employees. This may be due to the fact that they do not always get all the information. That is why we make sure that our temporary workers know exactly what is expected of them. We go through all safety regulations with them before they start working. We also check whether personal protective equipment is required for the work, such as work gloves or hearing protection. Sometimes our flex colleagues also receive a course to work safely.
What do you do for the flex colleagues of Actief Werkt! and Actief Techniek ?
Nienke: We therefore discuss with everyone who will work through us, how he or she can work safely. In addition, we pay a lot of attention to working safely on our website, in mailings and on Facebook and Instagram. Then you should not only think about your physical safety, but also your mental safety. This is sometimes forgotten, but it is also important that you can do your work in a good atmosphere, that you do not feel discriminated against or intimidated.
Suppose you work as a temporary worker via Actief, and you do not feel safe in your work. What do you have to do then?
Carin: “That's a very good question, and the most important of this entire interview actually. We really want every flex colleague to report unsafe situations. Even if there is no danger to you. Are machines not properly shielded, are people racing around with forklifts or is there a lot of rubbish lying in the warehouse aisles? Report it immediately. You can do this with your supervisor at the workplace and with your contact person at the employment agency. We have even created a special e-mail address for this: safety@ Actiefwerkt.nl. So don't hesitate, just report. You help yourself or your colleagues with it!”
Does every employment agency pay so much attention to safety?
Nienke: “Fortunately, there are more and more employment agencies that pay a lot of attention to it. If an employment agency has a VCU and NEN certificate, you can assume that everything is in order. Active has had these certifications for years.
What would you like to achieve?
Carin: “That safety is not only discussed, but that it is acted upon. People find it important, but also often forget it in the hustle and bustle of work. I would also like to see a culture in more companies that people dare to address each other about unsafe behavior, that it becomes normal. Employees can do their best for this, but employers must also lower the threshold to report unsafe situations.”
Do you want to know more about safety? Please feel free to contact us!