This report is the Dutch contribution to the PEROSH compilation and aims to provide a picture of the Netherlands response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Netherlands managed workplace safety during COVID‑19 through centralized, adaptive decision‑making, using national lockdowns, distancing rules, masks, and strong encouragement of remote work. Sector‑specific guidance supported essential fields like healthcare, education, food, and logistics with tailored protocols, PPE, and ventilation measures.
Remote work became widespread, revealing both benefits and challenges, especially around ergonomics and mental well‑being. Enforcement relied on legal mandates and fines, though inspections were fewer and mostly reactive. Over time, the Dutch strategy increasingly balanced infection control with mental health and socio‑economic impacts.
Compared internationally, the Netherlands was more restrictive than Sweden but less inspection‑heavy than the UK, aiming to protect public health while keeping essential services running. The experience highlights the value of clear communication, sector‑specific solutions, and attention to both physical and psychological safety in future crises.
