Reviewing the value of mandatory certification and testing arrangements for safety and health

Reviewing the value of mandatory certification and testing arrangements for safety and health

Zwetsloot, G.I.J.M.
Drupsteen, L.

Ruessink, H. (editor)
de Bree, M. (editor)

2015

For a series of activities, there are in the Netherlands specific requirements for mandatory occupational safety and health (OSH) certification of people, products or services. To reduce problems with the present arrangements - for the involved ministry as well as for the stakeholders - exploratory research was carried out to clarify the added values of these mandatory arrangements, and to identify options to make the system leaner and more flexible without compromising the level of protection. The analyses are mainly based on a series of interviews of representatives of the various stakeholders. Most stakeholders value the mandatory status of the regimes; this is especially the case for the governing foundations that represent a variety of stakeholders. The stakeholders do not see many benefits in the option to make the arrangement voluntary. The option of a central register as an alternative for mandatory certification raises most questions. Stakeholders find it difficult to express conclusions as long as it is unclear how such a register would be organized and managed. A few examples were identified to simplify the current arrangement by using related guiding documents. Such constructions have the potential to reduce unnecessary detailed mandatory requirements, but ensuring the level of OSH. Finally, four success factors for managing change in the certification regime were identified: strengthening participation of stakeholders; better communication; harmonization and greater clarity; and maintenance of high but practical OSH standards.

Urban Mobility & Environment
UES - Urban Environment & Safety
ELSS - Earth, Life and Social Sciences
Work and Employment
Workplace
Healthy Living
Mandatory certification
Voluntary certification
Central Register
Compliance
Occupational Safety and Health

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:dfeede62-1852-4c00-968f-4d2f1f03c678

532981

Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate, The Hague

9781326493189

Innovating environmental compliance assurance, 1-12

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