What STEP Nederland does

STEP Nederland is a Netherlands-based specialist organization that delivers prevention-based ergonomics training and rehabilitation services to reduce physical overexertion and work absenteeism (verzuimreductie). Founded in 1994 by physiotherapists Henk Jan Kooke and Bert Bruggeman, the company operates nationwide from registered offices in Hengelo and Groningen, serving enterprise clients across retail, manufacturing, healthcare, construction, logistics, and food production — with logos spanning ALDI, Dekamarkt, Amsterdam UMC, Volker Stevin, Renewi, Auping, Prezero, and dozens of other named customers. Its customers are primarily Dutch employers seeking to comply with Arbo and NIOSH standards and to reduce MSD-driven absenteeism, supplemented by a smaller direct-to-individual intake flow.

STEP's product architecture is built around a proprietary prevention and rehabilitation methodology grounded in Stuart McGill's load/bearability biomechanics. The platform combines (i) instructor-led group programs (BackPerfect, RSI Perfect, BlessurePerfect, GHT safe-movement techniques), (ii) proprietary biofeedback hardware and software — the BodyGuard real-time measuring instrument and the 2023-launched BodyProtector wearable built on Movesense sensors with STEP-developed software that supports independent self-assessment via mobile phone — and (iii) digital delivery and tracking layers including the STEP Secure Presenter (SSP) for standardized multi-site training, an E-learning portal with voice-over modules, the STEP InternetDatabase (iDB) for return-to-work monitoring, and the STEP Bel audible alert device. Diagnostic support is provided through the STOP questionnaire suite covering six complaint categories.

The business model is primarily professional-services revenue from quote-based, multi-year enterprise contracts delivered on-site by STEP trainers, with the 50% MDIEU Maatwerkregeling duurzame inzetbaarheid subsidy serving as the core commercial lever. Auxiliary revenue streams include per-session individual intake (€125 physical, €35 video intake), E-learning and iDB recurring subscriptions, and PMO periodic medical examinations. Go-to-market runs through direct enterprise field sales targeting HR, safety officers, and management, with a subsidized Quickscan entry-point (including via a Handel Groeit partnership) feeding conversion into full training engagements; digital content marketing, whitepapers, YouTube, industry press coverage, and trade-event demonstrations supplement the funnel.

Name

STEP Nederland

Legal name

Step Nederland

Website

https://step.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

STEP Nederland is a Netherlands-based specialist that delivers prevention-based ergonomics training and rehabilitation programs to reduce physical overexertion and work absenteeism. It serves enterprise clients across industries via proprietary biofeedback tools (BodyGuard, BodyProtector), group training, e-learning, and workplace assessments.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Occupational Health & Safety Training

NAICS

Vocational Rehabilitation Services (6243)

SIC

Services-Management Consulting Services (8742)

akta.pro primary industry

Incumbent Worker Training & Upskilling (EDAAAOAE)

Keywords

• Occupational health training
• Workplace ergonomics services
• Absenteeism reduction programs
• Physical overload prevention
• Musculoskeletal rehabilitation

Headquarters

HQ city

Groningen

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Group Training & Rugscholing (Group-based Courses): Group-based training sessions (groepsgewijze rugscholing) delivered on-site at client companies, covering safe body use techniques. Programs include BackPerfect, tiltraining, and prevention courses. Pricing is quote-based per client and customized per company situation.
2. Individual Training & Rehabilitation: Individual intervention programs for employees experiencing physical complaints or at risk of absenteeism. Includes intake (€125), video intake (€35), and ongoing individual training sessions. Supported by E-learning modules.
3. Physical Load Assessment (Werkvloer Assessment): STEP conducts physical load assessments at client workplaces, providing a clear report with practical short- and long-term solutions. This assessment serves as a commercial entry point leading to training engagements. The assessment is a deepening of the client's existing RI&E (Risk Inventory and Evaluation).
4. STEP InternetDatabase (iDB) Subscription: Companies can request a STEP iDB login account to monitor employee recovery and return-to-work possibilities. The iDB platform is accessed via step-idb.nl, suggesting a recurring subscription model for enterprise clients to track interventions.
5. E-learning Modules: STEP E-learning courses offered with voice-over, covering various physical complaint topics. Available as standalone training (with customization possible) or bundled with in-person training programs. Can be distributed via SSP system to employees.
6. BodyProtector / BodyGuard Hardware & Software: STEP develops and uses proprietary wearable devices (BodyGuard, BodyProtector) in its training programs. These tools are integral to the training methodology. Revenue is bundled into training program pricing rather than sold separately as a distinct hardware line.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

STEP Nederland delivers physical overload prevention and absenteeism reduction services for Dutch employers, centered on the proprietary STEP method. Its portfolio spans group-based back training (BackPerfect), individualized injury rehabilitation (BlessurePerfect), RSI prevention (RSI Perfect), workplace ergonomic assessments, and the proprietary STEP Method including certified lifting techniques (GHT), supported by proprietary tools such as the STEP BodyGuard exoskeleton, STEP BodyProtector, the SSP coaching platform, the iDB client database, and an e-learning module.

Product overview

STEP Nederland is a national organization specializing in the prevention of physical overexertion and the reduction of work absenteeism (verzuimreductie). The company operates a platform-plus-modules model centered on its proprietary STEP method and the GewichtHeffersTechnieken (GHT) — safe lifting and movement techniques. The core offering includes group-based back training (BackPerfect®), tilt training, and individual rehabilitation (BlessurePerfect), all supported by proprietary biofeedback tools: the BodyGuard (real-time body posture monitor) and the newer BodyProtector (wearable motion capture using Movesense sensors). Supplementary modules include RSI Perfect (RSI prevention), STEP E-learning (online courses with voice-over and knowledge tests), STEP Secure Presenter (SSP — standardized film-based training for multi-site companies), STOP Questionnaires (diagnostic tools for 6 physical complaint types), the STEP Bel (alert device for dangerous loading), Periodic Medical Examinations (PMO), online coaching via video, and the STEP Database (iDB) for tracking recovery and return-to-work. The STEP E-learning platform and SSP system provide scalable delivery of training content, while the BodyProtector enables independent self-assessment via mobile phone.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• BodyGuard: A real-time measuring instrument developed by STEP that displays the relationship between body use and loading, used in training courses.
• BodyProtector
• BackPerfect
• STEP E-learning
• STEP Database (iDB)
• STEP BodyProtector
• STEP Secure Presenter (SSP)

Products and services

• STEP BodyGuard Proprietary ergonomic exoskeleton-style support device marketed by STEP Nederland to employers to reduce lower-back load during physically demanding work; sold as a standalone product with its own product page.
• STEP BodyProtector Proprietary protective aid for workers in awkward postures and heavy-lifting scenarios, sold by STEP Nederland as a standalone product addressing physical overload risks.
• BackPerfect STEP Nederland's back-focused group training program aimed at improving back condition and reducing back-related absenteeism; delivered to groups of employees as a contracted service.
• BlessurePerfect Individual injury rehabilitation service offered by STEP Nederland to employees recovering from musculoskeletal complaints, with a tailored program per participant.
• RSI Perfect RSI prevention and intervention program delivered by STEP Nederland to address repetitive-strain injury complaints in working populations.
• STEP E-learning Online digital training module offered by STEP Nederland, accessible remotely and eligible for MDIEU subsidy, used to train employees in physical-load prevention.
• STEP Secure Presenter (SSP) Proprietary secure online presentation and biofeedback/coaching platform from STEP Nederland that supports live and remote coaching sessions during trainings.
• STEP Database (iDB) Proprietary client/dossier database platform from STEP Nederland used to record participant data and results from STEP trainings and assessments, enabling progress tracking for employer clients.
• STEP Bel Distinct standalone product listed on the STEP Nederland website as part of its product portfolio, used within STEP's ergonomic and physical-load prevention context.
• STOP Questionnaires Validated self-assessment questionnaire product on the STEP Nederland website used to map physical workload and risks among employees.
• PMO (Periodieke Monitoring Opvang) Periodic monitoring instrument from STEP Nederland used to systematically track physical load and prevention progress over time within client organizations.
• Online Begeleiding Remote online coaching/guidance service offered by STEP Nederland, enabling individual and group clients to receive professional support outside on-site visits.
• STEP Method with GewichtHeffersTechnieken (GHT) STEP Nederland's proprietary and copyrighted methodology underpinning its training and ergonomic services, including the certified GewichtHeffersTechnieken (GHT) lifting-techniques curriculum delivered by certified trainers.
• Ergonomic Workplace Assessments On-site ergonomic assessments of workplaces delivered by STEP Nederland consultants to identify physical-load risks and recommend interventions.

Quantifiable outcome

• Employability increases by at least 30% with the STEP method
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers44 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Handel GroeitminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSTEP partners with Handel Groeit to offer a subsidized quick scan for 'preventie Fysieke overbelasting' (prevention of physical overexertion). The quick scan provides companies with insights into the physical load on their employees and qualifies them for subsidized STEP services. STEP is displayed as a partner on the Handel Groeit website.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Concentra: Large US occupational health and workplace injury prevention provider with employer clinics, ergonomics, and rehab services — a broad incumbent in the same category as STEP but at significantly larger scale and in a different geography.

Direct peers

• FysioHolland: Largest Dutch physiotherapy network, including workplace-focused physiotherapists, ergonomics, and corporate MSK prevention — competes with STEP for the same employee back/RSI cases and employer OH budgets.
• IMD (formerly FitForWork Nederland): Dutch occupational health and reintegration provider focused on sustainable employability, MSD prevention, and return-to-work — overlapping closely with STEP's verzuimreductie and BlessurePerfect rehabilitation offerings.
• BakkerElkhuizen: Dutch specialist in ergonomic office equipment and workstation solutions, addressing the same back/RSI/office-posture pain points as STEP's office-worker ergonomic assessments and online guidance.
• BHV Nederland: Dutch occupational safety and first-aid training provider serving the same Dutch enterprise HR/safety buyer with workplace safety courses — competes for the same training budget and Arbo compliance-driven engagements.
• HumanNetwork (formerly HumanTotalCare): Dutch occupational health and absenteeism-reduction provider offering ergonomics, PMO, and reintegration to enterprise clients nationwide — overlapping with STEP's verzuimreductie and body-use training offerings.
• Arbo Unie: Major Dutch arbodienst (occupational health & safety service) providing workplace ergonomics, MSD prevention, PMO, and reintegration services to Dutch employers — directly competes with STEP for the same HR/safety buyer in the same verticals.

Others

• BetterUp: Enterprise coaching and wellbeing platform sold to HR leaders; thematically adjacent to STEP's sustainable employability and self-reliance approach, but oriented to mental/behavioral coaching rather than physical ergonomics training.

Emerging players

• Healthy Back Institute: US-based back-pain education and prevention content/product company targeting the same end-user problem (back pain, posture) as STEP, but at consumer/scale-content level rather than enterprise B2B training.

Regional players

• Posturite: UK-based ergonomics and workplace wellbeing provider offering assessments, training, and DSE solutions — comparable product portfolio to STEP but operating in a different geography (UK vs Netherlands).

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks3 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/stepnederland
• Xx.com/stepnederlandbv
• Facebookfacebook.com/profile.php
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/step-utrecht

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about STEP Nederland