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

## Introduction In Rotterdam, with its bustling port and dynamic labor market, occupational health services advise employers and employees on reintegration following illness. Incorrect advice from occupational health services often leads to sanctions by the UWV (Employee Insurance Agency). This article highlights the specific role of occupational health services in Rotterdam, common complaints, and how to take legal action in case of problems. ## Role of Occupational Health Services in Rotterdam Occupational health services such as Arbo Rotterdam or national providers with local branches conduct problem analyses, approve work resumptions, and coordinate track 1 (return to own work) and track 2 (alternative work). In the Rotterdam-Rijnmond region, they must remain independent, separate from employers such as the Port of Rotterdam Authority or local industries. The Working Conditions Act (Arbowet) obliges them to provide objective advice, suitable for the physically demanding jobs in the port. ## Complaints in the Rotterdam Context Common issues include conflicts of interest—for example, with occupational health services affiliated with large Rotterdam employers—incorrect medical assessments, and premature work resumption for port workers with back problems. Complaints about insufficient consideration of local reintegration programs, such as those offered by WerkSaam Rijnmond, are also frequent. ## Legal Steps 1. **File a complaint with the occupational health service**: Start with a formal complaint at their Rotterdam branch. 2. **Escalate to the employer or UWV Werkbedrijf Rotterdam**: Involve the UWV office at Kruisweg if the employer does not respond. 3. **Proceed to the Occupational Health Services Disputes Committee or subdistrict court**: The committee in The Hague handles many Rotterdam cases; alternatively, the District Court of Rotterdam can be approached for urgent procedures. ## Gathering Evidence Keep all consultation reports, emails, and medical records. Seek a second opinion from an independent doctor in Rotterdam, such as through Erasmus MC. Successful cases at the District Court of Rotterdam show that occupational health service errors can lift wage sanctions and enforce transparency. In 2023, several port employees won such cases. Always request your file under the GDPR.