RLS - D.Lgs. 81/08

The Workers' Health and Safety Representative (RLS) is the person elected or designated by workers to represent them on matters of health and safety at work, under Article 47 of Italian Legislative Decree no. 81/2008. The course provides the legal, technical and interpersonal knowledge needed to carry out the functions of representation, consultation and promotion of safety within the company, in accordance with Article 37, paragraphs 10 and 11, of Legislative Decree no. 81/2008 and the State-Regions Agreements in force on health and safety training.

Course structure:
The duration varies according to company size:

• Up to 200 workers: 32 hours
• Over 200 workers: 40 hours

Annual refresher:

• Up to 50 workers: 4 hours
• Over 50 workers: 8 hours

Exam and certification:
At the end there is a theory test to assess learning. The assessment methods and the minimum pass mark are governed by Article 37, paragraphs 10 and 11, of Legislative Decree 81/2008.

Certificate:
A certificate of attendance is issued.

Legal module - Role and prerogatives of the RLS

• Regulatory framework: Legislative Decree no. 81/2008 and main legislative references
• Election and designation of the RLS
• Rights, duties and prerogatives: consultation, access to workplaces and documentation
• Relations with the employer, managers (dirigenti), the Head of the Prevention and Protection Service (RSPP), the occupational physician (medico competente) and inspection and enforcement bodies
• Periodic prevention meeting (Article 35 of Legislative Decree no. 81/2008)
• Responsibilities and protections of the RLS

Risk assessment and prevention

• The risk assessment process and the risk assessment document (DVR)
• Main types of risk: physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, psychosocial
• Prevention and protection measures
• Personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Emergency management and first aid

Communication, participation and promotion of safety

• Effective communication techniques
• Promoting a safety culture among workers
• Managing conflicts and reported concerns
• Tools for active participation

• To be familiar with the regulatory framework of Legislative Decree no. 81/2008 and the role of the RLS in the company prevention system.
• To understand the rights, duties and prerogatives of the RLS: consultation, access to workplaces, access to the DVR, participation in periodic meetings.
• To acquire a basic technical grounding to identify and assess the risks present in the workplace.
• To develop interpersonal and communication skills to interact with the employer, managers, the RSPP and workers.
• To promote a safety culture among workers.