Key safety roles and their legal obligations

Train key roles in prevention and legal compliance.

According to Italian law, specific training is mandatory for all key roles responsible for managing health and safety in the workplace. Legislative Decree 81/2008 and the State-Regions Agreements define the content, duration, and renewal requirements for each role. These courses are essential to ensure legal compliance and effective risk management.

1 - Employer acting as Safety Manager (Datore di lavoro con funzione RSPP)

The employer may directly take the role of Prevention and Protection Service Manager (RSPP), after completing the required training. Course length depends on the company’s risk level: 16, 32, or 48 hours.

Core contents

• Mandatory for: employers acting as RSPP.
• When: before taking the role; update required every 5 years.
• References: D.Lgs. 81/2008 art. 34; State-Regions Agreement 21/12/2011.

2 - Manager (Dirigente)

The manager has organizational and decision-making responsibilities regarding safety. The course includes legal obligations, risk management, and how to organize safety procedures. Minimum duration: 16 hours.

Core contents

• Mandatory for: those with managerial functions.
• When: at role assignment; update required every 5 years.
• References: D.Lgs. 81/2008 art. 37 subparagraph 7; State-Regions Agreement 21/12/2011.

3 - Supervisor (Preposto)

The supervisor is responsible for operational oversight of workers. The course covers duties, supervision, behavior management, and communication about safety. Minimum duration: 8 hours.

Core contents

• Mandatory for: all designated supervisors.
• When: before taking the role; update required every 2 years according D.M. 02/09/2021.
• References: D.Lgs. 81/2008 art. 37 subparagraph 7-ter; State-Regions Agreement 21/12/2011 and later updates.

4 - Safety Manager (RSPP - Responsabile del Servizio di Prevenzione e Protezione)

The RSPP is the technical figure who coordinates the prevention and protection system. Training consists of three modules: A (basic), B (sector-specific according ATECO), and C (management and interpersonal skills).

Core contents

• Mandatory for: everyone in the RSPP role.
• When: before taking the role; update every 5 years.
• References: D.Lgs. 81/2008 art. 32; State-Regions Agreement 07/07/2016.

5 - Safety Officers (ASPP - Addetti al Servizio di Prevenzione e Protezione)

The ASPP supports the RSPP in risk assessment and prevention tasks. They must complete modules A and B of the technical training program.

Core contents

• Mandatory for: those who assist the RSPP.
• When: before taking the role; update every 5 years.
• References: D.Lgs. 81/2008 art. 32; State-Regions Agreement 07/07/2016.

6 - Workers’ Safety Representative (RLS - Rappresentante dei Lavoratori per la Sicurezza)

The RLS represents workers in matters of health and safety. The course includes rights, tools for participation, risk evaluation, consultation, and supervision. Minimum duration: 32 hours.

Core contents

• Mandatory for: elected or appointed RLS in the company.
• When: within 1 year of appointment; annual update (4 hours for companies with <50 workers, 8 hours for >50).
• References: D.Lgs. 81/2008 art. 37 subparagraphs 10 and 11.

Train your safety leaders: a prepared leadership is the first line of defense against risk.

The trained supervisor leads with clarity: explains the task, ensures it’s done safely.
Because guidance and prevention start right here, in the field.