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Laws on psychosocial risks at work: adapt the company work rules

Newsflash
Health and safety

On 1 September 2014 new laws on the prevention of psychosocial risks at work entered into force. As a result of this legislation, the work rules must be adapted and this at the latest by 1 March 2015.

We would like to remind you of the following key changes the new legislation on the prevention of psychosocial risks at work has introduced:

  • the former terminology 'psychosocial stress caused by work' was replaced by the broader concept 'psychosocial risks at work';
  • the measures for the prevention of psychosocial risks at work were modified;
  • the role of the person of trust and the prevention adviser for psychosocial aspects was further developed;
  • new internal procedures for psychosocial intervention were introduced with a possibility of provisional measures during the intervention procedure;
  • the protection against dismissal was extended;
  • a possible fixed indemnity of three months' gross salary (ceiled) was provided for employees who are the victim of violence, harassment or sexual harassment at work.

The new law also stipulates that the work rules must mention the coordinates of the person of trust and the prevention adviser for psychosocial aspects, as well as the new internal procedures for psychosocial intervention. This can be done using the simplified procedure to modify the work rules but these internal procedures require the approval of the committee for prevention and protection at work (or in the absence thereof the union delegation or the employees). Don't forget however to publish the work rules.

These adjustments must be made at the latest by 1 March 2015.

> Action point

At the latest by 1 March 2015 the new internal procedures for psychosocial intervention must be implemented in the work rules.