In its 2025 annual report, the Labour and Mines Inspectorate (ITM) noted that while the number of checks increased, the number of fines issued decreased. Minister of Labour Marc Spautz believes that despite advance warnings to companies, this development does not make the ITM "a toothless tiger".
More inspections but fewer fines – this sums up the evolution of the ITM's work, which the government is currently reforming with a greater focus on prevention. Feedback at the press conference presenting the ITM's 2025 annual review was positive.
In an interview, ITM director Marco Boly confirmed that the number of complaints has risen. He explained that a letter of observation has been introduced and that the ITM is approaching companies more proactively, which slightly lengthens the administrative process. The ITM also has more time to engage with businesses, he added.
Boly noted that the inspectorate now contacts companies by phone to help them regularise their situations, meaning fewer fines are issued despite a high number of inspections. "What is particularly pleasing is that we have been able to regularise many situations and that companies have been able to achieve compliance", Boly stated.
Companies are thus warned in advance. However, Minister of Labour Marc Spautz does not believe the ITM is becoming a "toothless tiger". He stressed that if providing information is not enough, sanctions will still be applied as before, and penalties will remain enshrined in law. Nevertheless, Spautz emphasised the importance of having the option to focus on prevention for both companies and employees, adding that this must be further strengthened because occupational health and safety are essential. "Every accident avoided is a win for everyone," Spautz said, "but this does not rule out the continued application of sanctions in the future if a company fails to comply with the rules in force."
The ITM carried out just over 5,000 inspections in 2025. It intervened on 3,300 occasions, leading to warnings, work stoppages, or closures. In total, 348 fines were issued, amounting to more than €2 million. Over half of these offences involved illegal work.
The ITM also frequently notes that companies fail to respect employees' working hours and leave entitlements, as well as safety regulations. Boly cited the example of safety shoes in the hospitality sector – non-slip shoes – a regulation that is now generally respected.
In the construction sector, other types of safety shoes are required, Boly explained, adding that he personally believes there are fewer problems in this area. According to ITM statistics, falls from height and overturning accidents are now predominant. This means that the construction sector, alongside industry, remains dominant when it comes to serious accidents, Boly said.
The bill aimed at reforming the ITM could still be passed during this parliamentary term, Minister Spautz believes. Health and safety in the civil service should also fall within the ITM's remit, he said, and eventually, platform work should be included. For ITM director Boly, it is clear that workforce reinforcements will be necessary, particularly to avoid internal breaches of legal rules on working hours.
