Any overtime you work is usually compensated:

• either in the form of additional wages;
• or as additional days off.

It’s best to ask your foreman what you are entitled to.

You do not have to pay for your travel to and from the construction site. Your employer will pay your transport expenses.

Click here to view the minimum wage per category

Your wages are paid at least once a month. It will be paid:

• either as a transfer into your bank account;
• or by cheque.

And you will always be given proof of payment.

Yes, you are insured against accidents at work. Your employer is required to take out insurance for you covering accidents at work.

• your medical expenses
• any lost wages.

Are you covered by Belgian social security and have you been working in the construction industry for at least six months? In that case, you will automatically receive free hospitalisation insurance. Do you need to be treated in hospital? In that case, you do not have to pay the costs yourself.

Ask Constructiv whether you are entitled to this.

• Contact Constructiv
• Find out more about hospitalisation insurance

Safety on the construction site is of paramount importance.

You must attend a mandatory training course called ‘Basisveiligheid’ (‘Basic safety’).

Your foreman will also explain the risks and how to work safely. Always follow these instructions, for both your own safety and that of your colleagues.

• a safety helmet
• a high-visibility jacket
• safety shoes.

Your employer will provide this equipment. If necessary, you will also receive other safety equipment.

• Is your room smaller than 18 m²? If so, you will sleep alone in that room.
• Is your room bigger than 18 m²? In that case, you might need to share your room with someone else.

• It must have water and electricity.
• It must be well ventilated and have no moisture problems.
• There must be double glazing throughout.
• There must be smoke detectors on every floor.

This website lists all the standards and rules.

If so, your employer must:

• either arrange for accommodation;
• or pay an allowance so that you can rent a property yourself.

Everyone should feel comfortable and safe on the construction site. There is no place for discrimination or bullying. Your gender, age, nationality, orientation or religion does not matter. Everyone is treated the same.
 

Are you experiencing discrimination regardless of this? Then report it to your foreman.
 

For example: are there any dangerous situations at your work? Are you not receiving your wages? Or not on time? Is there a problem with your house or flat? Do you have any other problems?

You can report your problem to a dedicated hotline. You can do so in complete confidence. The hotline will never pass your name on to your boss.

• You work the same number of hours each week.
• After six hours of work, you are entitled to a break of at least 15 minutes.
• You are entitled to a minimum rest period of 11 hours between two working days.
• You are entitled to at least 35 consecutive hours of rest per week. That means you there should be at least 1.5 days where you are not working.

The construction site always has the following facilities:

• toilets
• a changing room
• a place to wash yourself
• a refectory
• first-aid equipment for accidents: a stretcher, a blanket, two first-aid kits and fire extinguishers.

Your employer has a duty to regularly clean these places.