In November 2025, a gas station owner reported an employee sick to his absenteeism insurance. He assumed that this report was sufficient to start the entire absenteeism process. What he did not know was that, unless the systems are linked, the occupational health and safety service must also be informed immediately. That had not happened in this case.
What went wrong?
Because only the insurer received a notification, the occupational health and safety service did not become involved until six weeks later.
This had several consequences:
-
-
no problem analysis was prepared on time
-
no reintegration advice was provided
-
the statutory absence procedure did not start according to the rules
-
The insurer rightly concluded that important steps had been taken too late and decided to temporarily suspend the payment.
How was a solution found after all?
After contacting the entrepreneur, we called in the occupational health and safety service. They concluded that no opportunities for reintegration had been missed in the first few weeks. This enabled the insurer to reopen the file and pay the benefits retroactively.
Fortunately, it ended well—but that is certainly not always the case.
What does this mean for employers?
1. Check whether you need to report to two locations
Is there no link between the occupational health and safety service and the insurer? Then a sick report must always be submitted separately to:
-
-
the occupational health and safety service (on the first day)
-
absenteeism insurance
-
2. The first day of illness determines the entire process
Late notification almost always causes problems in the process and can have financial consequences.
3. Unsure? Just ask
Many employers are unsure about the specifics of their contracts. A quick phone call can prevent a lot of frustration.
Why we share this
We have noticed that many entrepreneurs' knowledge of the illness and recovery process is no longer entirely up to date. By sharing anonymous practical examples, we make these topics accessible again and help employers prevent absenteeism problems rather than having to solve them.
Need help or want to bounce ideas around?
Do you have questions about your insurance or how to report sick leave? I'm happy to help.
Jack de Jong
Account Manager for Retail
Jack.de.Jong@schoutenzekerheid.nl
www.schoutenzekerheid.nl/zeker-voor-retail/drive
