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RSPP
Italian Safety Manager — D.Lgs. 81/08
DVR · ATECO Risk Classification · External RSPP Appointment
External RSPP appointment, DVR preparation, RSPP training (Modulo A, B, C), and full D.Lgs. 81/2008 compliance. Certified occupational health and safety support for organisations operating in Italy.
Free Health & Safety Gap Analysis
30-minute Compliance Call Valued at £750+
What Happens on Your Free Gap Analysis Call:
- 1.30-minute consultation
- 2.We review your current H&S arrangements
- 3.We identify 1-10 critical compliance gaps you're missing
Identify 1+ gaps, or you receive a £50 gift card. Only 20 consultations are available every month.
(Responsabile del Servizio di Prevenzione e Protezione)
RSPP — Italy's Mandatory Health & Safety Manager Explained
The RSPP (Responsabile del Servizio di Prevenzione e Protezione) is the legally mandated occupational health and safety manager in Italy. Under Decreto Legislativo 81/2008 (D.Lgs. 81/08) — Italy's principal workplace health and safety law, also known as the Testo Unico sulla Salute e Sicurezza sul Lavoro — every employer (datore di lavoro) must appoint an RSPP to manage, coordinate, and oversee the Servizio di Prevenzione e Protezione (SPP).
Failure to appoint an RSPP is a criminal offence (reato contravvenzionale), punishable by arrest of 3–6 months or a fine of €2,740–€7,014. The RSPP role is non-delegable — the employer cannot transfer the obligation to appoint one.
Arinite provides external RSPP appointment, DVR preparation, RSPP training, and full D.Lgs. 81/08 compliance support for organisations operating in Italy — including multinational employers with Italian subsidiaries or employees.
What Is an RSPP?
The RSPP is the person responsible for coordinating the Servizio di Prevenzione e Protezione (SPP) — the prevention and protection service required by D.Lgs. 81/08. The SPP can be organised internally, externally, or as a combination.
The RSPP supports the employer (datore di lavoro) by:
- Identifying and evaluating all workplace risks — physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, and psychosocial
- Proposing prevention and protection measures (misure di prevenzione e protezione)
- Coordinating the preparation and updating of the DVR (Documento di Valutazione dei Rischi)
- Supporting worker information, training, and consultation programmes
- Coordinating with the occupational physician (Medico Competente / MC) and worker safety representatives (RLS)
While the employer retains ultimate legal responsibility for workplace safety, the RSPP is the technical and organisational cornerstone of occupational health and safety management in Italy.
Is the RSPP Mandatory?
Yes — For All Employers Without Exception
Appointment of an RSPP is mandatory for every employer in Italy under D.Lgs. 81/08, regardless of:
- Company size — from sole traders with one employee to large enterprises
- Sector — office, manufacturing, healthcare, construction, services
- Risk level — low, medium, or high risk (classified by ATECO code)
Failure to appoint an RSPP is a criminal offence. Penalties include:
- Arrest of 3–6 months, and/or
- Fines of €2,740–€7,014
- Enhanced penalties if non-compliance contributed to a workplace injury or fatality
Who Can Be Appointed as RSPP?
Italian law provides three appointment options, depending on company size, sector, and ATECO risk classification:
Employer as RSPP (Datore di Lavoro – RSPP)
Permitted only for small, lower-risk companies (e.g., ≤30 employees in manufacturing, ≤200 employees in office environments). The employer must complete mandatory RSPP training — 16–48 hours depending on ATECO risk classification, plus refresher training every 5 years.
Internal RSPP (RSPP Interno)
An employee may be appointed as internal RSPP if they:
- Hold a secondary school diploma (diploma di istruzione secondaria superiore)
- Complete certified Modulo A (28 hours), Modulo B (sector-specific, 12–68 hours), and Modulo C (24 hours) training
- Complete 40-hour refresher training every 5 years
- Have sufficient time, authority, and independence to fulfil the role
External RSPP (RSPP Esterno)
A qualified external consultant may be appointed to:
- Ensure full D.Lgs. 81/08 compliance with specialist expertise
- Provide ongoing RSPP services without requiring internal staff allocation
- Cover all RSPP obligations including DVR, training coordination, and inspection support
This is the most common and practical option for SMEs and international organisations operating in Italy.
Legal Requirements Under D.Lgs. 81/2008
Decreto Legislativo 81/2008 (Testo Unico) sets out detailed, prescriptive requirements for the RSPP role and the SPP.
Employers must ensure:
Formal Written Appointment (Nomina)
The RSPP appointment must be formalised in writing (nomina RSPP) and available to labour inspectors (ASL / Ispettorato del Lavoro). The appointment document must specify the RSPP's qualifications, training, and scope of responsibility.
Specific Qualifications — ATECO Risk Classification
The RSPP must hold appropriate qualifications and complete certified training based on the company's ATECO risk classification — Rischio Basso (low), Rischio Medio (medium), or Rischio Alto (high). Training hours range from 16 to 48+ hours depending on risk level.
RSPP Training Duration and Refresher Requirements
- Modulo A: 28 hours — foundational H&S management
- Modulo B: 12–68 hours — sector-specific risk assessment (based on ATECO code)
- Modulo C: 24 hours — communication, training, and worker consultation
- Mandatory refresher training (aggiornamento) every 5 years — 40 hours
DVR Preparation and Coordination
The RSPP coordinates the preparation and continuous updating of the DVR (Documento di Valutazione dei Rischi) — Italy's equivalent of a workplace risk assessment. The DVR must cover all risk types and must be completed within 90 days of starting operations.
Mandatory Collaboration With Key Safety Roles
The RSPP must work in formal coordination with:
- MC (Medico Competente) — the occupational physician responsible for health surveillance (sorveglianza sanitaria)
- RLS (Rappresentante dei Lavoratori per la Sicurezza) — the worker-elected safety representative who must be consulted on risk assessments and prevention measures
- ASPP (Addetto al Servizio di Prevenzione e Protezione) — prevention and protection service assistants
- Addetti Antincendio e Primo Soccorso — fire safety and first aid designated workers
RSPP Responsibilities Under D.Lgs. 81/08
The RSPP's responsibilities cover the full occupational health and safety management cycle:
1. Risk Identification and Evaluation
Identify and assess all workplace risks, including:
- Physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, and fire risks
- Psychosocial risks — stress, workload, organisational factors
- Specific risks — pregnant workers, young workers, shift workers, lone workers
- Emergency scenarios and business continuity risks
2. Prevention and Protection Measures
Propose technical, organisational, and procedural measures (misure di prevenzione e protezione) to eliminate or reduce risks to an acceptable level.
3. DVR Preparation and Updates
Coordinate the drafting and continuous updating of the DVR — ensuring it reflects current workplace conditions, risks, and controls. The DVR must be updated following any significant change, incident, or new risk identification.
4. Safety Documentation and Procedures
Develop and maintain all required safety documentation — including emergency procedures, DUVRI (risk interference documents for contractors), operating procedures, and safety signage.
5. Worker Training and Information
Plan, coordinate, and document all mandatory health and safety training programmes — including general training (formazione generale), specific training (formazione specifica), and emergency response training.
6. Continuous Monitoring and Improvement
Monitor the implementation and effectiveness of prevention measures, conduct periodic reviews, and recommend improvements in line with D.Lgs. 81/08 requirements.
RSPP Services from Arinite in Italy
Arinite provides end-to-end RSPP and D.Lgs. 81/08 compliance services:
External RSPP Appointment (RSPP Esterno)
Certified, experienced RSPP consultants qualified for all ATECO risk levels
Continuous, ongoing compliance coverage
Ideal for SMEs, multinationals, and organisations without internal safety expertise
DVR Preparation and Updates
Full DVR drafting, review, and continuous maintenance
Updates following organisational changes, incidents, or inspection findings
DUVRI preparation for contractor and multi-employer workplaces
RSPP Training Courses
Certified Modulo A, B, and C RSPP training
Datore di Lavoro – RSPP training (16–48 hours)
Mandatory 5-yearly refresher training (aggiornamento)
Training for all ATECO risk levels — Basso, Medio, Alto
Safety Management Systems
Structured systems aligned with D.Lgs. 81/08
Integration with international frameworks — ISO 45001, OHSAS 18001, corporate H&S governance
ASL / Ispettorato Inspection Support
Preparation for labour inspectorate (ASL / INL) visits
Support responding to non-compliance notices (prescrizioni) and improvement orders
Representation during enforcement proceedings
Emergency Planning (Piano di Emergenza)
Emergency and evacuation plans compliant with D.Lgs. 81/08
Coordination with designated emergency workers (addetti antincendio e primo soccorso)
Emergency drill planning and documentation
Mandatory Worker Training
Formazione generale and formazione specifica delivery
Training records and documentation for inspection readiness
Refresher training scheduling and tracking
Compliance Monitoring and Legislative Updates
Ongoing monitoring of Italian H&S legislative changes
Continuous compliance verification and gap analysis
Annual review and improvement recommendations
Who Uses Our RSPP Services?
- Italian SMEs needing compliant, practical safety management
- Multinational companies with Italian subsidiaries or employees
- Organisations without internal safety expertise or qualified RSPP staff
- Employers seeking inspection readiness and legal certainty
- Businesses facing ASL/INL enforcement or improvement notices
Why Choose Arinite for RSPP in Italy?
Deep expertise in D.Lgs. 81/2008 (Testo Unico) compliance
Certified and experienced RSPP professionals for all ATECO risk levels
Practical, inspection-ready documentation in Italian and English
Support for international employers with Italian operations
Clear alignment between legal compliance and business operations
We don't just appoint an RSPP — we deliver ongoing safety management that meets inspection expectations.
Get Expert RSPP Support in Italy
If you operate in Italy and need support appointing an RSPP, preparing your DVR, or achieving D.Lgs. 81/08 compliance:
The Arinite Transformation™
From Reactive Firefighting to Proactive Health & Safety Compliance
REACTIVE
(Where 60% of Businesses Operate)
What It Looks Like:
No formal HSE systems in place. Everything is reactive, waiting for something to go wrong. Documentation is missing or outdated.
Why It's Dangerous:
- ✗£50K-£150K average fine when (not if) HSE inspects
- ✗Can't bid on contracts requiring HSE certification
- ✗One accident away from director prosecution
This isn't just "non-compliant." It's criminally negligent. Directors face personal prosecution.
REACTIVE
(Where 60% of Businesses Operate)
What It Looks Like:
No formal HSE systems in place. Everything is reactive, waiting for something to go wrong. Documentation is missing or outdated.
Why It's Dangerous:
- ✗£50K-£150K average fine when (not if) HSE inspects
- ✗Can't bid on contracts requiring HSE certification
- ✗One accident away from director prosecution
This isn't just "non-compliant." It's criminally negligent. Directors face personal prosecution.
COMPLIANCE
(Where Most Businesses Stop)
What It Looks Like:
Basic HSE documentation is in place. Minimum legal requirements met. You can pass a basic audit.
Why It's Better (But Not Enough):
- ✓Legal protection (no fines if inspected)
- ✓Can bid on contracts requiring certification
- ✓Pass basic client audits
- ✗Still reactive (problems arise, then you respond)
- ✗Compliance maintained by one person (bottleneck)
- ✗Systems don't run themselves
Compliance is where most consultants get you, then leave. You're legal, but you're not optimised.
COMPLIANCE
(Where Most Businesses Stop)
What It Looks Like:
Basic HSE documentation is in place. Minimum legal requirements met. You can pass a basic audit.
Why It's Better (But Not Enough):
- ✓Legal protection (no fines if inspected)
- ✓Can bid on contracts requiring certification
- ✓Pass basic client audits
- ✗Still reactive (problems arise, then you respond)
- ✗Compliance maintained by one person (bottleneck)
- ✗Systems don't run themselves
Compliance is where most consultants get you, then leave. You're legal, but you're not optimised.
PROACTIVE
(Where Arinite Clients Operate)
What It Looks Like:
Systems run proactively (prevent problems before they occur). Compliance is distributed (not dependent on one person). HSE becomes a competitive advantage, not a cost centre.
Why It's Transformational:
- ✓Win more contracts (HSE certification opens doors)
- ✓Save 20+ hours/week (systems run themselves)
- ✓Peace of mind (sleep soundly, without the fear of prosecution)
- ✓Focus on your core business while we handle compliance
That's why 95%+ of clients renew year after year.
PROACTIVE
(Where Arinite Clients Operate)
What It Looks Like:
Systems run proactively (prevent problems before they occur). Compliance is distributed (not dependent on one person). HSE becomes a competitive advantage, not a cost centre.
Why It's Transformational:
- ✓Win more contracts (HSE certification opens doors)
- ✓Save 20+ hours/week (systems run themselves)
- ✓Peace of mind (sleep soundly, without the fear of prosecution)
- ✓Focus on your core business while we handle compliance
That's why 95%+ of clients renew year after year.
The Arinite Difference:
Other consultants get you to Stage 2 (Compliant) and disappear.
We get you to Stage 3 (Proactive) and keep you there.
That's why we call it transformation, not just compliance.
"We work with you to deliver peace of mind. We tailor our service provision to your business to provide proactive, pragmatic health and safety advice and that helps reduce costs by ensuring compliance with relevant health and safety legislation."
Robert Winsloe
Managing Director
From Hidden Gaps to Compliance
Our proven 3-step system has helped over 1,000 businesses eliminate enforcement risk, pass inspections, and protect directors from personal liability.
No guesswork. No generic templates. No box-ticking.
Free Health and Safety Gap Analysis Call
Identify what's missing before an inspector does.
A focused 30-minute health and safety assessment to expose weaknesses in your current arrangements.
What you get:
→ You leave knowing exactly where you're exposed and what to do about it.
Health and Safety Audit
Turn risk into documented compliance, fast.
We conduct a comprehensive health and safety audit of your workplace and ensure everything inspectors expect to see is in place. This covers risk assessments, workplace safety inspections, health and safety policy documentation, and every gap identified in Step 1.
What's included:
→ You move from exposed to defensible with evidence to prove it.
Outsource Your Health & Safety - The Arinite Partnership
We become your health and safety department. Your competent person. Your compliance team.
No chasing updates. No need to worry about changes in health and safety laws. No need to wonder if you've missed something. You focus on your core day-to-day business, Arinite handle the rest.
What we take ownership of:
→ Compliance handled. Risk controlled. Directors protected.
Why This Works
Most enforcement actions arise from systems being assumed rather than proven.
We don't advise. We don't hand over templates.
We build, implement, and maintain end-to-end health and safety compliance, and when we identify an action item, we proactively pursue and resolve it. That's the difference.
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Free Health & Safety Gap Analysis
30-minute Compliance Call Valued at £750+
What Happens on Your Free Gap Analysis Call:
- 1.30-minute consultation
- 2.We review your current H&S arrangements
- 3.We identify 1-10 critical compliance gaps you're missing
Identify 1+ gaps, or you receive a £50 gift card. Only 20 consultations are available every month.
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