RSPP

Article 31 of Legislative Decree 81/2008 defines the responsibility for organizing the Prevention and Protection System (PPS) as one of the employer's obligations.

The employer can therefore choose to be the Head of the PPS themselves, or they can consider delegating it to an internal employee, or even better, rely on an external professional specialized in this area. In both of these latter two cases, the employer can delegate the responsibility for organizing the Prevention and Protection Service, even though the obligation to oversee the RSPP's work remains with them.

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WHY CHOOSE AN EXTERNAL RSPP?

The decision to rely on an external RSPP stems from the fact that they are a person specialized in performing this task, having undergone specific training and possessing greater experience in the sector.

An external RSPP also has a third-party perspective compared to an internal employee or the employer, which allows for a more objective approach to risk analysis and the subsequent evaluation of prevention and protection measures.

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WHAT ARE THE FUNCTIONS OF THE PPS?

The RSPP, in collaboration with the employer and any other workers designated for this purpose, is responsible for organizing the Prevention and Protection Service; but what are the tasks of the PPS?

Article 33 of Legislative Decree 81/2008 specifies the activities that must be carried out by the PPS, and these include:

• Conduct Risk Assessments;
• Define preventive and protective measures that mitigate risk by reducing the probability of occurrence or the potential damage caused;
• Ensure worker training and information on accident prevention and proper emergency management;
• Constantly monitor the effectiveness of adopted preventive measures, providing for modifications and/or additions should the need arise;
• Prepare an emergency plan that outlines the actions to be taken in critical situations, such as a fire or a medical emergency;
• Organize a periodic meeting (at least annually) to monitor and review the safety status within the company;
• Collaborate with safety officers and the Workers' Safety Representative (RLS) to ensure that safety procedures are disseminated to all workers and are effectively complied with, including the correct use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE);
• Collaborate with the Occupational Health Physician, providing them with the relevant assessments and opinions necessary for planning health surveillance.

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WHO IS PART OF THE SPP?

In addition to the Head of the SPP and the employer, there are other internal and external company figures who are part of the Prevention and Protection Service and contribute to maintaining workplace safety standards. These figures are:

• SPP Assistant: assists the RSPP in carrying out their duties. This role is generally required in large companies or those with multiple work locations;
• RLS: represents workers on safety-related issues, has access to risk assessment documents, and collaborates with the RSPP and the Employer to maintain safety standards within the company;
• Competent Doctor: assesses the compatibility between workers' health status and their job duties and provides consultancy on occupational hygiene;
• Emergency Management Personnel: these are workers who have completed specific courses (such as First Aid or Firefighting Personnel) and are responsible for coordinating emergency operations when needed.

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WHAT ARE THE DUTIES OF THE RSPP?

The RSPP is responsible for coordinating the Prevention and Protection Service and does so in close collaboration with the employer, by whom they are directly appointed as per Legislative Decree 81/2008.

The specific duties of the RSPP are:

• Identify risks present in the workplace;
• Evaluate the most suitable preventive and protective measures to eliminate or mitigate risks;
• Define safety procedures to be implemented in case of emergency.

Collaboration with all figures of the Prevention and Protection Service involved in organizing workplace safety is essential for the RSPP to carry out their duties.

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