Volandis sets standard for working safely with hazardous substances in construction

Each year, thousands of workers in the Netherlands die from past exposure to hazardous chemicals. In response, Volandis is seeking a software supplier to develop a solution for the entire industry. Chemrade recognizes the importance of this mission and joins the effort.

 Volandis plays a crucial role in the construction and infrastructure sector in the Netherlands. As the knowledge and advisory centre of social partners, this organisation strives for a safe and healthy working environment.The organisation supports companies and professionals in the field of occupational safety and sustainable employability. One of its biggest challenges is safely managing hazardous substances, which many construction companies struggle with. Historically, the industry has struggled to manage these risks effectively, partly due to the complexity of regulations and the diversity of operations and working conditions. Johan Timmerman, occupational hygienist at Volandis, notes, "The old PISA system with information cards is nowhere near sufficient."

Faced with these challenges, Volandis searched for a partner to develop an innovative solution. Chemrade, a software company specializing in hazardous substance management solutions, emerged as an interested player. Timmerman explains, “Chemrade stood out and saw opportunities for innovation. They candidly admitted they couldn't do it yet but were eager to help. This marked the beginning of a productive collaboration — a true co-production.” Timmerman continues, “Chemrade's energy is contagious; they are truly driven to make a difference for those working with hazardous substances.”

The platform developed by Chemrade and Volandis, the Hazardous Substances Assistant (HSA), makes risk assessment and safety information management directly accessible to the end user. This enables companies to maintain a register of hazardous substances, assess risks, and generate safety instructions, all within an industry-specific context. The software integrates a substance database that is capable of continuous expansion by the community of users, contributing to a growing and improving knowledge base across the industry. Timmerman states, "Currently, we still work with industry experts who assess risks; in the future, the expertise will lie within the software itself. That's what we mean with 'the smart platform'. It also reduces the scarcity problem of occupational hygienists."

The implementation of the software platform brings about a revolutionary change in the construction sector. It not only promotes safe handling of hazardous substances but also raises overall awareness of occupational safety. Companies can now comply with strict regulations without having to heavily invest in in-house expertise or external consultants. Looking ahead, the platform offers the potential to expand into other sectors, with Volandis and Chemrade providing a blueprint for working safely with hazardous substances. Timmerman reflects on this progress: “This partnership with Chemrade has not only helped us achieve a long-pursued goal but has also opened doors for significant advancements in our sector. It brings us closer to a safer and healthier workplace for everybody.”