FAQ: Internal service for prevention and protection at work

Which businesses need to have an internal service for protection and prevention at work?

All employers need to have an internal service for protection and prevention at work and designate at least one prevention adviser in this department. In companies employing fewer than 20 workers, the employer himself has to take on the job of prevention counsellor.
When does a business have to affiliate itself with an external department?

If the internal department is not capable of carrying out its legally compulsory tasks, then the employer has to rely on a certified external service for prevention and protection at work.

Legislation also clearly stipulates that employers have to always rely on an external service for prevention and protection at work if their internal service does not have a department that is in charge of the medical follow-up of employees.

The same applies to group C employers (if the internal service does not have a level 1 or level 2 prevention counsellor) and group D employers, where the analysis of work-related accidents where the worker is unfit for work for four or more days must be imperatively carried out by the external service.
In which case must the employer call on a psycho-social prevention counsellor from an external service?
- Employers employing fewer than 50 workers must always rely on a psychosocial prevention counsellor of an external service.
- In the case of employers employing more than 50 workers, the psychosocial prevention counsellor can be a member of the internal or the external service. If the employer, however, decides to designate an internal counsellor, he will have to first avail himself of the prior agreement of all the members representing the workers within the committee for prevention and protection at work.
Remark:
All psychosocial prevention counsellors have to comply with the following three conditions:
- Have a university diploma for a degree which covers a considerable amount of psychology and sociology.
- Have successfully completed basic multidisciplinary training as well as a specialized training course on work-related psychosocial aspects.
- Have proven experience (at least five years) as regards work-related psychosocial aspects.

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