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Although the aim is to ensure zero fatal accidents at construction sites, there is a gap between this ambition and what people working in the sector actually expect. The Boels Rental Construction Index* shows that 25 percent of Dutch construction professionals do not believe that a future free of fatal workplace accidents is possible. This percentage remains virtually unchanged from last year (26%). Safety at construction sites remains a concern.
Safety concerns are increasing
The construction industry is still struggling with a relatively high number of safety incidents. Although safety is on the agenda, 23 percent of construction professionals indicated that they are increasingly concerned about it at construction sites.
This growing concern also has real-life consequences. This year, 35 percent of construction professionals indicated that they sometimes turn down jobs due to unsafe working conditions. In 2024, this percentage was at 30 percent. This underscores the ongoing safety issues – and their consequences – at some construction sites.
Safety issues not due to working methods
Despite growing concerns about safety, construction professionals do not see their own actions or those of their colleagues as the root cause. For example, almost half (49%) believe that their colleagues meet the required qualifications. Working with machinery also seems to have become safer. In 2024, 23 percent of construction professionals indicated that they used machines they were not authorised to use. That has dropped to 10 percent this year. In addition, 11 percent indicated that they sometimes use unsafe machines, compared to 24 percent last year. Although improvement can be seen, continued reduction of incorrect and unsafe use of machinery remains an area of focus.
35% indicated that they sometimes turn down jobs due to unsafe working conditions
Rising costs impacting safety measures
In addition to safety awareness, financial considerations also play a role in the construction sector. For parts of the sector, the increase in construction costs means a reduction in the safety budget. For example, 15 percent of professionals have noticed that less money is available for safety measures. In addition, 10 percent indicated that the higher costs of personal protective equipment means that they are purchased less often or are of a lower quality.
“If construction professionals do not consider their own working methods to be the cause of the safety issues, then it is time to look at the conditions in which they work. High costs in the construction industry are one of the reasons why these risks persist. That should never be used to justify a compromise on safety. The combination of realistic planning, stricter management and better safety provisions together with targeted training can ensure safer construction sites. Not just through rules, but through action,” says Sven Janssen, Health & Safety Manager at Boels Rental.
*The survey was conducted by Markteffect among 402 Dutch people working in the construction industry.
