The Verwilghen Act

At the coffee machine or at birthday parties, we often discuss the downsides of our jobs: high workloads, looming burnouts, rising absenteeism. According to Prof. Nele Jacobs, a mental health expert and the CEO of Faresa, we are selling ourselves short by doing so. Her message is clear: work is essentially a healthy activity and can become a significant source of mental resilience, provided that organisations create the right conditions.

According to the latest figures, our country has half a million people on sick leave. Work incapacity insurance with associated reintegration support is becoming increasingly common – and it’s effective, too. Up to seven out of ten incapacitated employees return to work after a reintegration programme, says Bob Duys, General Manager Health Care at Vanbreda Risk & Benefits.

The circular economy is booming. From scrap metal to complex electronics and car batteries: we’re recycling more than ever. At the same time, though, many insurers are struggling with the risks associated with recycling activities. The frequency of claims, unpredictability and perceived lack of control have made many insurers more reluctant to insure the sector. With the right analysis, preventive measures and guidance, insuring this sector is in fact possible – and worthwhile. General Manager Property Christel Kiebzak and Loss Prevention Consultant Sven Bormans of Vanbreda Risk & Benefits explain.

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.