In Dutch horticulture relatively many companies violate the law. Because of the strong international competition, the companies are constantly looking for cost reduction. This does not promote favorable working conditions, both in terms of health and safety at work and where wages and working hours are concerned. This is shown by audits of the Dutch Inspectorate SZW.
The Inspectorate SWZ conducted the Health and Safety inspections in horticulture mainly in vegetable and ornamental businesses. These AMF inspections largely took place in asparagus cultivation. And the results are not good. A total of 335 inspections were carried out at vegetable and ornamental growers under glass. These companies were audited by the inspectors unannounced. In total 329 violations were found at 169 companies.
More than half of the violations were in relation to the Working Hours Act. Companies did not have a good record of working and resting times, so compliance could not be checked. In addition, there was actual violation of the maximum working hours allowed. Over 30% of the violations were in relation to paying workers below minimum wage. A quarter of the companies don’t pay their employees enough, or let them work too long. What is remarkable is also that two-thirds of the employees in this sector don’t have Dutch nationality.
Experience shows that relatively many companies violate the law, including for reasons of cost reduction. The very strong (international) competition also plays an important role and doesn’t promote good working conditions. The occupational risks involved are great. Exposure to hazardous substances - meaning plant protection products - can cause serious health risks (usually long-term). Careless work at heights inside and outside the greenhouses, certainly in combination with the work on glass structures, may result in serious injury or fatal accidents.
"Take responsibility"
"Horticulture must take responsibility where safety and working hours are concerned. Most of us do. But a few entrepreneurs are stubborn," says Wim van den Boomen, pepper grower in Someren and portfolio manager Social Affairs at LTO Netherland (Dutch Federation of Agriculture and Horticulture), in reaction to the Inspectorates’ findings.
Read the report here.