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.
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.
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?
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
Many employers are unsure about the specifics of their contracts. A quick phone call can prevent a lot of frustration.
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.
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
06 - 25 56 06 57
+31 (0)10 - 288 45 86
Jack.de.Jong@schoutenzekerheid.nl
www.schoutenzekerheid.nl/zeker-voor-retail/drive