General/specific safety and BBS behavior-based safety

Identify risks, act safety, comply with regulations.

In Italy, general and specific safety training is mandatory for all workers according to Legislative Decree 81/2008 (art. 37) and the State-Regions Agreements of 21/12/2011. There is also a strong recommendation to include modules on safe behavior (BBS – Behavior-Based Safety), as provided for in National Collective Labor Contracts (CCNL).
These training paths represent the first level of active protection in the workplace.

1 - General Safety (Sicurezza generale)

This 4-hour course is mandatory for all workers, regardless of the sector. It provides an overview of the concepts of risk, harm, prevention, protection, organization of company safety, workers' rights and duties, and regulatory and supervisory bodies.

Core contents

• Mandatory for: all employees, apprentices, interns, and equivalent collaborators (D.Lgs. 81/2008 art. 2).
• When:
training must be provided when the employment relationship begins and before the worker starts the assigned duties. It must be completed within 60 days from hiring.
• References:
D.Lgs. 81/2008 art. 36 and art. 37 subparagraph 4; State-Regions Agreement 21/12/2011.

2 - Specific Safety (Sicurezza specifica)

This training varies based on the ATECO sector and the related risk level. It lasts 4, 8, or 12 hours depending on whether the risk is low, medium, or high. It focuses on job-specific risks: mechanical, electrical, chemical, physical, ergonomic, and organizational risks, including those related to equipment or special work environments.

Core contents

• Mandatory for: all workers, according to ATECO risk classification.
• When: training must be provided when the employment relationship begins and before the worker starts the assigned duties. It must be completed within 60 days from hiring.
• References: D.Lgs. 81/2008 art. 37; State-Regions Agreement 21/12/2011 – Annex I.

3 - BBS Behavior-Based Safety (BBS – Sicurezza basata sul comportamento)

The BBS module is a voluntary extension, increasingly adopted in production and construction settings. It is based on the observation of safe and unsafe behaviors, correction through feedback, and the continuous improvement of the safety culture.

Core contents

• Recommended in National Collective Labor Contracts (CCNL) and by many companies as an addition to mandatory training.
• Useful for reinforcing safe behavior and reducing behavior-related accidents.
• Does not replace but complements the mandatory training provided by D.Lgs. 81/2008.

Ensuring general and specific safety training is a legal obligation: protect your people and respect the law.

Trained, protected, and confident. These workers have completed their general and specific safety training:
now they can focus on their job with peace of mind and full compliance.