What are flash inspections?
Flash inspections are mainly designed to inform and prevent issues. The planned actions are announced in advance on the SIOD website. By providing this information ahead of time, every company has the chance to comply. Sanctions will only be imposed in cases of serious or repeated violations.
Our tip
Start using the SIOD checklist now or seek legal advice from your legal advisor. This will help you avoid costly mistakes and concerns.
Contact us at myHR@securex.be.
What does the inspection look for?
In addition to moonlighting (RSZ declaration) and illegal employment (single permit, work cards, and permits), the social inspection also checks other social obligations in your company:
- Labour regulations
Including all work schedules and mandatory annexes, such as the annex on psychosocial risks. - Labour contracts and annexes
For example, labour contracts for part-time work, student work, flexi-jobs, or temporary work. - Control cards of unemployed workers
- Dimona declaration
- Occupational accident insurance
- Registration of deviations from work schedules
If applicable: documentation or registration system for deviations for part-time workers (more/less hours or varying work schedules compared to the planned fixed or variable work schedule).
The inspection also checks compliance with specific obligations in your sector, such as:
- The attendance registration via Check In and Out at Work
- The correct allocation of meal and eco vouchers
Frequently asked questions
Is a flash inspection 'less strict'?
Not necessarily. Flash inspections are announced, preventive inspections with an informative purpose. However, inspectors can write a report and impose sanctions in cases of serious or repeated violations. So, ensure your company is compliant.
Can inspectors come unexpectedly?
Yes. Flash inspections are announced at the sector level, not for individual companies. Inspectors have broad powers to enter workplaces without prior consent. However, authorization or consent is required for private areas. An unannounced visit to your company is therefore possible.
What if something is missing?
For minor shortcomings, you will usually first receive a warning and a deadline to become compliant. Serious or repeated violations can lead to a report and possible sanctions more quickly. Prevention is better than cure.
How do I prepare my team for flash inspections?
Make sure everyone knows who will speak to the inspectors, where the necessary documents are located, and what needs to be shown. Keep identification documents, labour contracts, and employment documents readily available. A brief briefing beforehand can help reduce stress.
What are the possible sanctions?
The Social Penal Code provides for administrative fines, criminal fines, and even imprisonment. The severity of the fine or the imposition of a prison sentence depends on the level of the violation.
Example
In the cleaning sector, attendance registration has been mandatory since September 1, 2024. Every person performing cleaning work must register their attendance and breaks via a system provided by the employer.
Read more about this in our article: Attendance registration cleaning postponed to 1/9/2024
If a violation is found, committed by the employer, appointee, or agent, it will be punished with a level 3 sanction.
This involves either an administrative fine between 800 euros and 8,000 euros, or a criminal fine between 1,600 euros and 16,000 euros. A criminal fine can only be imposed if the labour auditor decides to initiate proceedings in court.
If the employee themselves did not register their attendance and breaks, this will be punished with a level 1 sanction. A level 1 sanction can only be an administrative fine, the amount of which varies between 80 euros and 800 euros.
Read more about the various violations and sanctions in our file.
How Securex helps you
Legal advice, document preparation, audits
Do you have questions about social legislation or want to ensure that your documents comply with sectoral rules? We can update your labour regulations, labour contracts, and policies tailored to your joint committee.
We can also conduct an audit on payroll and labour conditions, Dimona declarations, part-time work, and more.
On-site assistance during inspection
Has an inspection been announced in your company? Our experts are ready to assist you on-site and defend your interests.
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