During Safety&Health@Work 2026, the Network Plaza is the central meeting place on the exhibition floor. In Hall 2, industry associations, professionals and partners come together to share knowledge, exchange experiences and start new collaborations.
The Network Plaza combines networking and knowledge-sharing in an open and accessible setting. Visitors can easily walk in, join a session or connect with organisations that actively contribute to a safe and healthy working environment.
The Network Plaza is designed as a dynamic environment with two distinct areas: a networking zone and a presentation area. Here, you can engage in informal conversations as well as participate in insightful sessions.
Meet industry and professional associations active in the fields of safety and health, and take part in short, practice-oriented masterclasses and presentations. Gain new insights into topics such as safety culture, behaviour, technology and personal protective equipment, while expanding your professional network in a central and accessible setting on the exhibition floor.
Each partner hosts one masterclass per day or contributes jointly to the programme. This ensures an up-to-date and relevant offering that closely reflects current industry practice.
During Safety&Health@Work, various partners will host informative sessions and masterclasses at the Network Plaza. The topics address current challenges in safe and healthy working environments and provide practical insights that can be applied directly in the workplace.
How can we make safety truly inclusive and understandable for everyone?
Safety instructions are only effective when everyone understands them. In practice, they are often too complex or rely too heavily on written text, meaning not all employees are reached. In this workshop, you will discover how the Generic Site Safety Instruction (GPI) addresses this challenge through visual instructions and short knowledge clips that are accessible to everyone.
We will demonstrate how this approach has been proven to improve safety in the construction industry, supported by return on investment research and a practical case study. You will learn why this method works, how other sectors can benefit from it, and how your organisation can make safety instructions more effective, understandable and inclusive.
Where in your organisation would a clear and accessible safety instruction make the greatest difference?
The 10 Biggest Risks When Working with Hazardous Substances
Do you work with hazardous substances? Then you know that risks are often hidden in everyday situations. During this session, you will gain insight into the most common mistakes, ranging from incorrect labelling to improper storage.
Through practical examples and interactive elements, you will discover where things go wrong and, more importantly, how to prevent them.
Data-Driven Safety: Technology as the Foundation of Modern Leadership
This session focuses on the role of technology, data and leadership in creating safer workplaces. You will discover how a data-driven approach can help predict risks and prevent incidents before they occur.
The session also explores the importance of collaboration and the role of leadership in strengthening a positive safety culture within organisations.
Protect Your Breathing
Looking for knowledge that can save lives? How can respiratory distress be prevented? During this session, the Respiratory Protection Working Group of VVGW will guide participants through both the principles and practical application of the Respiratory Protection Guideline developed by the Dutch Association of Occupational Hygienists.
How can we ensure that employees can work safely in confined spaces, with paint products or in environments where asbestos is present?
1. Learn the key principles to consider when using or implementing respiratory protection.
2. Take part in a face fit test to assess the effectiveness of your respiratory protective equipment.
Let’s work together to create a workplace where respiratory safety comes first.
Help, It's Getting Tropical Again. What Should We Do About Workwear?
It is a question that concerns construction and road workers every summer. During this session, the VVGW Workwear Working Group will guide participants through the do’s and don’ts, as well as the possibilities and limitations of workwear that provides adequate protection while remaining comfortable to wear in hot conditions.
The working group aims to engage participants in a discussion on the future of labelling and standardisation for heat-resistant workwear.
1. Learn what to consider when selecting workwear for your employees.
2. Join the discussion on the potential value of labelling and/or standards for heat-stress-resistant workwear.
Help us create better working conditions during periods of hot weather.
The Network Plaza covers an area of 196 m² and is fully designed to facilitate networking and knowledge sharing.
Here you will find:
- A central networking area with a bar for informal conversations;
- A presentation area with approximately 50 seats;
- Partner pillars where organisations can showcase their activities;
- A professionally equipped mini theatre with audiovisual support.
The presentation area is equipped with a screen, microphones and silent disco headsets, ensuring that sessions can be followed clearly, even on a busy exhibition floor.
The Network Plaza is centrally located in Hall 2, close to the catering area. This strategic location makes it a natural meeting place and a key attraction within the hall.
As shown on the exhibition floor plan, the Network Plaza is positioned along the main visitor routes, making it easy to incorporate into your visit to the exhibition.
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