New State-Regions Agreement for Workplace Safety Training in Italy

A new State-Regions agreement impacting workplace safety training in Italy came into effect in 2025, updating requirements for mandatory courses and certifications. This agreement, formalized on April 17, 2025, aims to standardize and improve the quality of health and safety training across the country. The changes affect employers, workers, and training providers alike, particularly concerning the roles of the RSPP (Responsabile del Servizio di Prevenzione e Protezione) and other safety personnel.

Key Changes and Requirements

The updated agreement addresses several key areas of workplace safety training:

• Mandatory Training: The agreement reinforces the mandatory nature of training for roles like the RSPP, RLS (Rappresentante dei Lavoratori per la Sicurezza), RLST (Rappresentante dei Lavoratori per la Sicurezza Territoriale), supervisors, and workers, as outlined in Legislative Decree 81/08.
• Refresher Courses: Regular refresher courses are required to maintain certifications, ensuring professionals stay current with evolving safety regulations.
• Training Methods: While traditional classroom lessons remain valid, the agreement acknowledges and incorporates new training modalities, including virtual reality and online learning platforms. However, concerns have been raised regarding the effectiveness of solely online training, with some suggesting it lacks the engagement of in-person instruction.
• Accreditation: The agreement emphasizes the importance of accredited training courses to ensure quality and compliance.

Roles and Responsibilities

The State-Regions agreement clarifies the responsibilities of various roles within workplace safety:

• Employer (Datore di Lavoro): Responsible for ensuring all employees receive adequate safety training.
• RSPP: Must undergo specific training as mandated by the agreement. Courses are available in cities like Foggia .
• RLS/RLST: Workers designated to represent their colleagues in safety matters also require updated training.
• Supervisors (Preposto): Supervisors are responsible for overseeing the implementation of safety procedures and must receive appropriate training.

The Rise of Online Training and its Challenges

The shift towards online training has been met with mixed reactions. While offering convenience and accessibility, some argue that it diminishes the quality of learning. A recent discussion on Reddit highlighted concerns that online courses are often completed passively, with individuals resorting to tools like ChatGPT to pass assessments without genuine understanding. This raises questions about the effectiveness of online-only training in fostering a strong safety culture.

Available Training Opportunities

Various organizations offer training courses to meet the requirements of the new State-Regions agreement. These include courses for trainers and those seeking to renew their certifications. Anfos, for example, offers a course focused on understanding the intricacies of the agreement .

Looking Ahead

The implementation of the new State-Regions agreement represents a significant step towards enhancing workplace safety in Italy. Continued monitoring and evaluation will be crucial to assess the effectiveness of the new regulations and address any challenges that arise, particularly regarding the quality and engagement of online training programs. Italian OSH law requires trained workers in areas of serious risk, reinforcing the importance of comprehensive and effective safety training .