This paper describes the reform of the regulations on safety and health in the Netherlands towards a more competitive
market and its impact on occupational health services (OHSs) and the health professionals over the period 1994–2005. Aims are
to identify the crucial factors that bring about the intended effects (such as lower disability rates) and to evaluate the outcomes
from the perspective of the occupational health professional. The paper contributes to the discussion of how the professionals
could define and contain their professional identity and credibility in competitive circumstances.