Veiligheids

Veiligheids is a Dutch term referring to the state of being safe and to the practices, policies, and systems designed to protect people, objects, and information from harm. In Dutch usage the concept is commonly expressed through compounds such as veiligheidsbeleid (safety policy), veiligheidsnormen (safety standards), veiligheidsmaatregelen (safety measures), and veiligheidsrisico’s (safety risks). The form veiligheids- is a prefix used to describe safety-related elements within larger terms.

Scope and applications

Veiligheid encompasses several domains. In the workplace it covers risk assessment, preventive measures, personal protective equipment, training, and incident reporting to reduce accidents and health hazards. Public safety deals with protecting communities from hazards such as crime, natural disasters, and infrastructure failures. Product and system safety focuses on safe design, manufacturing, testing, and compliance with standards. Information and cybersecurity safety address protecting data, networks, and critical information systems from unauthorized access and damage.

Regulation and standards

Safety practice is guided by national and international standards and regulations. In the Netherlands, laws and codes related to occupational safety (such as the Arbo wet) set obligations for employers and workers. International standards such as ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety management and ISO 27001 for information security management are widely adopted. Safety governance also includes incident reporting, audits, risk management, and continuous improvement to maintain and raise safety performance.

Language and usage

Veiligheids is most often encountered as part of compound terms rather than as a stand-alone noun. It reflects a broad, multidisciplinary approach to protecting people, assets, and information within organizations and societies.