The company safety officer, technically known as the RSPP (Head of the Prevention and Protection Service), is the person who ensures a safe working environment that complies with safety regulations. It is therefore important to make clear that this figure does not work alone but actively collaborates with several other company players, building a genuine network of protection and prevention.
Who works with the company safety officer
In a company, safety is teamwork. The safety officer works closely with:
- the employer, who has ultimate responsibility for safety;
- the managers, who put the instructions given into practice;
- the supervisor (“preposto”), who directly checks and monitors compliance with the rules;
- the prevention and protection service officer (ASPP), a technical figure who supports the RSPP;
- the workers’ safety representative (RLS), who protects workers’ needs;
- the company doctor, who monitors employees’ health.
These figures make up a team, each with specific skills, working together to ensure that every corner of the company is a safe and protected place.
The main responsibilities of those in charge of company safety
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).Being responsible for company safety involves a series of obligations that go far beyond simple supervision. In fact, the RSPP manages the risk assessment, a fundamental document that makes it possible to identify potential hazards and adopt preventive measures.
- But that is not all. They are also responsible for worker training, making sure that everyone in the company knows the safety procedures perfectly and knows how to behave in an emergency. This aspect is crucial because awareness is the first step towards a truly safe working environment.
- They also take care, in collaboration with the whole SPP team, of drafting specific procedures for emergency management, from fire prevention to the handling of incidents of various kinds, ensuring a rapid and effective response.
RSPP or (Q)HSE manager: how to choose?
Besides the RSPP, you often hear about the (Q)HSE manager, a more complex role that manages safety, environment and quality. So, which should you choose for your company? The answer depends a great deal on the size and specific needs of your business.
If your business is structured, spread across several sites, or operates in particularly sensitive sectors such as chemicals or pharmaceuticals, it may be useful to complement the RSPP role with a (Q)HSE manager.
Otherwise, for small and medium-sized enterprises, the company safety officer may be more than enough.
How do you become a company safety officer?
If this role intrigues you and you are thinking of pursuing this career, you should know that becoming a company safety officer requires specific skills. A training path is needed that includes mandatory courses required by current regulations and periodic refreshers.
Besides official qualifications, the true company safety officer also has excellent communication skills. It is not enough to know the rules; you must also be able to convey information effectively to colleagues and workers.
The main daily challenges for those managing company safety
At times, the person in this role faces diverse and often unexpected situations. A fire, a workplace accident, a sudden breakdown are all situations that require readiness and clear-headedness.
Another important challenge is involving staff. It is not enough to communicate procedures and rules; you must be able to make your colleagues understand that safety is not an imposition but a shared value. Only then will you get real, active participation, which is the only guarantee of success.
Why invest seriously in company safety?
Investing in the role of company safety officer is not a cost but a genuine investment. Optimal safety management, in fact, can drastically reduce accidents and increase company productivity. Employees who are at ease, informed and protected work better and with greater motivation.
Do not forget the reputation aspect either: a company that stands out for attention and seriousness in workplace safety is viewed positively by customers and potential business partners. In short, safety goes hand in hand with reliability, and this certainly improves your business.
Mistakes to avoid at all costs
Unfortunately, there are still many companies that underestimate some fundamental aspects of safety. One of the most frequent mistakes is not giving enough importance to internal communication. It is pointless to have perfect procedures if no one really knows them or applies them in practice.
Another common mistake is treating training merely as a formal obligation rather than as a moment of personal and company growth.
Tools and innovation at the service of company safety
Today, fortunately, the company safety officer has advanced technological tools that make their work far more effective. We are talking about safety management software, wearable devices for monitoring environmental conditions, and automated systems for detecting emergencies.
Making use of these resources means not only preventing but also intervening promptly when needed.
Discover our workplace safety consulting and our training courses.
Discover STA – Studio tecnico ambientale and our consulting services
