Vanbreda Port Barometer: cost of workplace accidents falls by 30%
Port work has its risks, despite the wide-ranging preventive efforts of port operators. Despite a 60% increase in the insured wage bill, resulting in significantly greater exposure to risks, the number of workplace accidents in container, general cargo and roll-on/roll-off activities has remained relatively constant. As a result, the cost has actually fallen by 30%. However, commuting accidents
are proving costly for port operators. The number is increasing rapidly, and the average cost is three times higher
than for an accident at the quayside. This is one of the subjects covered by the Vanbreda Risk & Benefits Port Barometer, a comprehensive analysis of work-related accidents in the port from 2020 to 2024.
Unique insights into port operators’ risk profiles
The Flemish ports are one of the drivers of the Belgian economy. They are a crucial link in international logistics and trade, and generate thousands of jobs. With more than 50% of all Belgian dockworkers
in its portfolio, Vanbreda Risk & Benefits is well aware of the risks that port operators and their employees face on a daily basis. The complete analysis of work accidents in the port from 2020 to 2024, compared to the results from 2013 to 2017, can be found in the Vanbreda Risk & Benefits Port Barometer. In this press release, we focus on three key trends.
1) Work accidents on the quayside: the frequency of work accidents is decreasing
Despite an increase in the insured population, resulting in a wage bill 60% higher than in the period 2013-2017, the number of accidents in the workplace remained stable. In 2013-2017, the average number of reported work accidents was 1,071. In 2020-2024, that number was 1,068. This reinforces the downward trend in the number of accidents between 2013 and 2017 (see table). Given the 60% increase in the wage bill, this represents a spectacular decrease.
Source: Work accidents vs. Insured wage bill, Port Barometer, Vanbreda Risk & Benefits
2) Electric bicycles drive up the cost of commuting accidents
As elsewhere, we are seeing a positive move towards greener mobility in the port. The use of electric bicycles, including speed pedelecs, for commuting is particularly popular among dockers (see table). More than half of all reported commuting accidents are caused by electric bicycles, primarily speed pedelecs. The share of electric scooters is currently negligible. It makes sense for port operators to extend their risk prevention efforts to include commuting accidents.
Top 3 modes of transport for commuting accidents
Electric bicycle/speed pedelec
Motorcycle
Car
The change in commuting accidents between 2013-2017 and 2020-2024 is telling:
The number of commuting accidents rose from 343 to 569, a 66% increase.
The total cost of commuting-related claims sky-rocketed from 4.27 million to 12.23 million euros, an almost threefold increase.
The technical cost (= cost of claims vs. payroll) rose from an average of 0.38% to 0.65% – a hefty 70% increase.
This means that the average cost of a commuting accident is now almost three times higher than that of a quayside accident.
‘These figures demonstrate that commuting remains a key point for attention. The efforts that dramatically improved quayside claims results are being partially cancelled out by the explosion of the cost of commuting-related claims (see the “Change” table below).’
Geert De Krem, work accident expert at Vanbreda Risk & Benefits
Source: Change in cost of claims, Port Barometer, Vanbreda Risk & Benefits
3) Risk prevention efforts have a two-fold advantage: increased human well-being and financial benefit
The port is one of the highest-risk sectors, and the chances of serious accidents are still high. Incorrect movements during manual handling, and especially during lashing activities – a risk common to all three sectors – are particularly likely to lead to work accidents on the quay. In addition, slip and trip accidents, such as missteps and/or falls over a cable or into the hold of a ship, are a significant cause of claims.
Again, though, the average technical cost (= cost of claims vs. payroll) per port activity fell between 2020 and 2024 due to the strong focus on workplace risk prevention (see graph):
Container: from 3.50% in 2013-2017 to 2.18% in 2020-2024
Roll-on/roll-off: from 4.28% in 2013-2017 to 3.09% in 2020-2024
General cargo: from 6.41% in 2013-2017 to 3.97% in 2020-2024
Source: Technical cost of work accidents per port activity, Port Barometer, Vanbreda Risk & Benefits
This means not only a safer working environment for dockers but immediate savings for the port operators, including for work accident insurance. The technical cost percentage reflects the premium a port operator pays for this insurance.
The financial impact of a claim is generally far from insignificant. Besides the direct insurance costs for the victim’s medical expenses, there may also be compensation for temporary or permanent incapacity. An accident also has an impact on the well-being of colleagues and on work activities: psychological support, replacement of the incapacitated colleague, temporary suspension of activities and so on.
‘The port operators in our portfolio are committed to a sustainable risk prevention policy, which leads to a healthier and more competitive business. The strong partnership between the work accident insurers, Cepa and Vanbreda Risk & Benefits guarantees them optimal protection and support.’
Geert De Krem, work accident expert at Vanbreda Risk & Benefits
Cepa aims for long-term impact with its third strategic multi-year plan
In recent years, Cepa, the employers’ organisation for dock work in Antwerp, has made significant progress, together with its member port operators and the social partners, in ensuring dockers’ safety. For example, an ambitious 2020-2025 action plan was rolled out, with specific risk prevention efforts such as training, safety audits and new protective equipment. This approach has led to a marked reduction in the number of work accidents and increased safety awareness in the workplace. Cepa will soon launch its new 2030 multi-year plan.
‘Going forward, Cepa, together with all its partners, will continue to build a port where safety is a given. Our vision, based on safety maturity, well-being and sustainable employment, will ensure that the Port of Antwerp remains a model of safe and healthy working conditions.’
Dries Elsen, Manager at Cepa
Arrange an interview or obtain more information
Do you have any questions about this press release, or would you like to receive more information or the complete Port Barometer? Contact:
Isabelle Hoes
Senior Advisor External Communication at Vanbreda Risk & Benefits
Vanbreda Cyber Study: cost of 4 out of 5 cyber incidents limited to 20,000 euros thanks to cyber insurance
Press
02.02.2026
Cyber crime continued to rise in 2025 and poses a growing threat to Belgian businesses. However, companies’ efforts in cyber security and insurance are paying off. Targeted prevention measures and improved incident support have limited the cost of four out of five cyber claims 20,000 euros, and cyber insurance premiums have fallen. New players with competitive rates are reinforcing this trend. At the same time, the risk of reliance on a single provider is still underestimated, and businesses that fail to adapt their insured amounts to their growth and current risks are in danger of being underinsured. This is clear from the Vanbreda Risk & Benefits annual cyber study.
On 1 January 2026, the insurance brokers Kantoor Windey and Assutron joined the Vanbreda Group. With this move, three strong players are combining their expertise to provide an even better service to businesses, independent professionals and individuals in the Waasland region.. Pedro Matthynssens, CEO at Vanbreda Risk & Benefits: ‘Windey and Assutron are two established names in this region. Their choice of Vanbreda confirms our position as the market leader and an attractive employer. Together, we aim to become the leading broker in the Waasland region.’
Anchor Insurance and Vanbreda Risk & Benefits form a strong new alliance in the Netherlands
Press
29.12.2025
Anchor Insurance has entered into a strategic partnership with Unibreda, the holding company of Vanbreda Risk & Benefits, which is owned by its family shareholders. Vanbreda Risk & Benefits is the largest independent insurance broker in the Benelux. With this partnership, Anchor takes the next step in its development as a leading insurance broker within the specialist niches of Marine, Energy, Construction and Wholesale. As part of the transaction, Unibreda acquires a majority stake in Anchor, while the existing partner model remains in place.
Cent index: direct impact on supplementary pension capital
Press
23.12.2025
The federal government has announced that in 2026 and 2028, the portion of gross pay above 4,000 euros will not be subject to automatic indexation. At first glance, the main effects of this measure – the ‘cent index’ – appear to be on pay. However, it also has a significant impact on the supplementary pension that employees build up through their employer. Vanbreda Risk & Benefits has examined the financial effect.
