Onderzoeksraad

Onderzoeksraad voor Veiligheid, commonly referred to as the Onderzoeksraad, is the Dutch national independent safety investigation board. It investigates major accidents and other safety-related incidents in the Netherlands with the aim of improving public safety and preventing recurrence. The council operates independently of government, industry, and other institutions, and its findings are published publicly to inform policy makers, professionals, and the public.

The body was established in the 2000s by law to provide an impartial, thorough, and transparent mechanism for examining incidents that have significant safety implications. Its mandate covers a wide range of sectors, including transport, infrastructure, and industrial safety, as well as other events that reveal systemic safety issues. The Onderzoeksraad conducts multidisciplinary investigations, collects and analyzes evidence, identifies contributing factors and underlying causes, and issues recommendations intended to reduce risk and improve safety culture.

Investigations are typically conducted by teams of experts who prepare detailed factual reports, followed by analysis that addresses why events occurred and what can be done to prevent them in the future. Reports are released to the public and are often used by policymakers, regulators, and organizations to implement safety improvements. The council also engages with stakeholders, including victims and industry representatives, and collaborates with other national and international authorities when appropriate.

As an independent body, the Onderzoeksraad is funded by the Dutch government and operates under legislation that safeguards its autonomy. Its work is characterized by a focus on factual findings and constructive recommendations, rather than assigning legal blame, with the overarching goal of enhancing safety across Dutch society.