SERVICES
Health and Safety at Work
Contracts and Safety: Site Badges, Credit-Based Licences, and New Penalties
INL
In the circular under review, the National Labour Inspectorate sets out the main developments introduced by the recent health and safety decree, with significant implications for inspection activity and employer obligations. Particular attention is paid to contracts and subcontracts: inspection activity will be primarily directed at companies operating under subcontracting arrangements, including on the basis of information contained in preliminary notifications, which must now identify the subcontracting firms. On construction sites operating under contract or subcontract, the obligation to provide workers with an identification badge featuring a unique anti-counterfeiting code — also available in digital format — has been strengthened. Full operability of the new features remains subject to an implementing decree, but the penalty framework is already in place. Significant changes also concern the credit-based licence system: for undeclared work, a deduction of 5 credits per irregular worker is provided, with further reductions where aggravating circumstances apply. The minimum penalty for operating without a licence or with insufficient credits has also been raised to €12,000, in addition to temporary exclusion from public works contracts. The circular further addresses additional matters relating to training, protective equipment, ladder requirements, and digital reporting obligations for directors, outlining an overall strengthening of controls and corporate responsibilities.