The arbeidsdeskundige is a labour expert who translates the medical limitations set by the bedrijfsarts into practical conclusions about work. Around the first-year evaluation of long-term sickness (usually weeks 42 to 52), the expert performs an arbeidsdeskundig onderzoek to determine whether the employee can still perform the contracted job (spoor 1), a modified or different role within the organisation, or only work outside the organisation (spoor 2).
The report sets out concrete recommendations on workplace adjustments, retraining, reduced hours, or the start of an external placement track. It becomes a core document in the reintegration dossier that UWV assesses before approving a WIA benefit or ruling on employer compliance under the Wet Verbetering Poortwachter.
A timely and well-evidenced arbeidsdeskundig rapport protects employers from a loonsanctie, the penalty requiring a third year of wage payment when UWV judges reintegration efforts insufficient.