The law on safety on construction sites is in its final stages, with only one signature missing. The last meeting between Minister Calderone and the social partners took place on 23 July at the Ministry of Labour in Rome, during which illustrated the text of the implementing decree of the points-based driving license on construction sites.
An essential document that meets the demands of a country that is asking for greater protection in terms of safety at work and sets out the practical aspects of the law which will come into force on 1 October 2024The text explains how to apply for the credit license, which is mandatory for all companies operating in the construction sector, what the conditions are for applying, how the points system works and the consequences in case of non-compliance.
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What is the “points-based license” and how does it work?
Just like the driving license, the credited driving license – that's the official name – works with a points allocation/deduction mechanism and aims to ensure greater safety on construction sites through the application of obligations which will give a grade. On the contrary, in the event of an injury to a worker due to non-compliance with one of these rules, the company will see points deducted depending on the severity of the injury.
The basic requirement to proceed with the application is registration with the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Crafts or Agriculture. The minimum for the company or self-employed person to be able to work is 15 points, from the 30 awarded at the time of issuing the credit authorization by the Labor Inspectorate. Further credits can be accumulated over time through investments without riskin worker training or simply by seniority in the company, up to a maximum of 100 points over 40 years.
The Ministry of Labor has made available information slides that can be viewed and downloaded from its website.
Construction site safety: the potential benefits
It is not enough to be outraged when you hear about workplace accidents or mortality data. You have to be aware of it. Achieving greater safety on construction sites through The credit-based driver's license tool is just the first step toward a much larger goal: that of safety in all workplaces. A single law is certainly not enough, nor is the simple application of a “one-off mirror”.
These key words have been shouted loud and clear for years by the major unions and, in unison, by all professional associations: prevention and, above all, training. A law like the one on safety on construction sites is a starting point, but active policies and information are needed.
On the one hand, the reduction of costs for workplace safety and employee training, which are too high and weigh solely on companies, on the other hand, the need to look around and understand all that good virtuous models can offer and technological progress.
Culture of prevention
The EU, through EU-OSHA, the agency that promotes the culture of prevention in Europe, is sponsoring a series of projects aimed at inform about the possibilities of artificial intelligenceas well as other technologies, to automate certain parts of the work, such as welding, without excluding human intervention but reducing the risks.
England introduced the concept of “security leadership”. encourage supervisors and managers to be directly accountable safety by promoting prevention activities during working hours. In Germany, this responsibility is shared by law between employers and employees, so that both actively participate in choices regarding safety and prevention. A shared culture. And shareable.
