Safety training for managers is a mandatory requirement under Legislative Decree no. 81 of 2008 (Consolidated Act on Workplace Safety) and the State-Regions Agreement of 21 December 2011, aimed at ensuring proper management of health and safety in the workplace.
Who is the manager in terms of safety?
According to Article 2, paragraph 1, letter d) of Legislative Decree 81/08, the safety manager is the person who implements the employer’s directives, organising and supervising work activity, with particular attention to the prevention of and protection from occupational risks.
Objectives and content of the managers’ course
Manager safety training courses must be structured as required by the State-Regions Agreement of 21 December 2011 and aim to provide in-depth knowledge of the following topics:
- Legislative framework on workplace safety (Legislative Decree 81/08, penalties, specific obligations).
- Management and organisation of company safety (obligations and responsibilities).
- Identification and assessment of occupational risks (Risk Assessment Document – DVR).
- Communication techniques and in-house training on safety.
- Emergency management and safety plans (Emergency and Evacuation Plan).
The mandatory minimum duration of the course is 16 hours, as established by the State-Regions Agreement of 21 December 2011, with mandatory periodic refreshers every five years to ensure up-to-date skills.
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Appointing the safety manager and delegation of functions
Formalising the appointment of the safety manager with a “delegation of functions”, that is, in writing signed by the manager and the company, is not expressly required by law, but is recommended.
The delegation of functions is regulated by Article 16 of Legislative Decree 81/08 and sets out specific requirements of form and substance. The delegation must be in writing and must be clear as to its content, the responsibilities delegated and its limits. STA Ambiente.it also offers consulting on this delicate aspect, supporting companies in the correct drafting and management of the delegation of functions.
Civil and criminal liability of the safety manager
The safety manager assumes specific civil and criminal liabilities, defined by Articles 55-59 of Legislative Decree 81/08. These liabilities concern omission or negligence in implementing safety measures, failure to supervise and failure to comply with regulatory provisions. It is therefore essential that the manager is adequately trained and up to date in order to avoid penalties and significant legal consequences.
Refusing the appointment as safety manager
If an employee believes they do not have the skills or resources needed to perform the role of safety manager effectively, they may formally refuse the appointment. However, it is important that this decision is communicated formally and with reasons, respecting the company’s internal procedures to avoid potential conflicts or misunderstandings.
Methodology and benefits of training with S.T.A.
S.T.A. uses a teaching methodology based on case studies, simulations and practical workshops, in line with the provisions of Legislative Decree 81/08 and the State-Regions Agreement. This allows participants to acquire concrete skills that can be put to use immediately in the company context. Among the main benefits of the training offered:
- Qualified trainers with direct experience in the safety field.
- Teaching materials constantly updated in line with the latest regulatory provisions.
- Courses customised to specific company needs.
- Final certificate compliant with legal requirements under Article 37 of Legislative Decree 81/08.
Why choose S.T.A. for manager training
Manager safety training is a strategic investment to prevent accidents, avoid administrative and criminal penalties (Articles 55-59 Legislative Decree 81/08) and reduce civil and criminal liability for both the company and the manager personally. S.T.A. guarantees high-quality courses, constant updates and personalised assistance, supporting companies in creating safer, more efficient workplaces fully compliant with current regulations.
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