Role of Occupational Health Services in Reintegration: Complaints and Legal Steps in Amsterdam

## Introduction In Amsterdam, occupational health services (arbodiensten) advise employers and employees on reintegration following illness. Incorrect advice can lead to sanctions from the UWV (Employee Insurance Agency). This article highlights the specific role of occupational health services in the Amsterdam region, common complaints, and how to take legal action, including local resources. ## Role of Occupational Health Services in Amsterdam Occupational health services such as ArboNed or Randstad Labour Mediation in Amsterdam conduct problem analyses, approve work resumptions, and coordinate Track 1 (return to own work) and Track 2 (alternative work). They must remain independent, but in Amsterdam’s dynamic labour market, with many SMEs and port-related activities, pressure for quick reintegration is often observed. The Gatekeeper Improvement Act is strictly enforced here. ## Complaints in the Amsterdam Context Common issues include conflicts of interest (e.g., occupational health services affiliated with employers in the Zuidas business district), incorrect medical assessments due to a lack of specialist knowledge about urban professions such as in hospitality or municipal roles, and overly hasty work resumption without considering Amsterdam’s traffic congestion or cycling infrastructure. ## Legal Steps 1. **Complaint to the occupational health service**: Submit via their internal procedure, often digitally. 2. **Escalate to the employer or UWV Amsterdam**: Contact the UWV office at Rijnstraat 96 or your employer. 3. **Disputes Committee for Occupational Health Services or court**: In Amsterdam, you can approach the District Court of Amsterdam (Prins Bernhardplein 200) or first the SKGZ (Foundation for Complaints and Disputes in Healthcare Insurance) for occupational health-related matters. **Local tip**: Consult the Legal Counter Amsterdam (Strawinskylaan 3051) for free advice. ## Gathering Evidence Keep all consultation reports, emails, and seek a second opinion from an Amsterdam-based occupational health physician via the Medical Register. Successful cases in Amsterdam, such as those involving port workers, have overturned occupational health errors and reversed sanctions. Demand transparency and involve the Works Council (OR) for larger employers.