External RSPP
CEPER offers an external Prevention and Protection Service delivered by highly qualified personnel who fully meet legislative requirements for professional skills and training qualifications. CEPER’s experts directly assume the role of external RSPP, providing a team of officers capable of managing even the most complex company situations or those distributed across the entire Italian territory.
CEPER works in close contact with the Employer, following the Employer’s decisions and those of any safety management. The activities provided, in accordance with Article 33 of Legislative Decree 81/2008, include:
- Assumption of the responsibilities associated with the role of RSPP.
- Preparation and updating of the Risk Assessment Document (DVR).
- Development of prevention and protection measures.
- Periodic on-site inspections at the workplace.
- Annual periodic meetings with the Employer, the Occupational Physician and the Workers’ Safety Representative (RLS).
In larger companies, the external RSPP service can be integrated with other CEPER services, creating a growth path that supports the implementation of occupational health and safety and environmental management.
Contact us to find out how to improve your company’s safety with a qualified external RSPP service. CEPER’s experts are ready to provide a thorough assessment of your needs, turning safety management into a genuine competitive advantage.
Assumption of the RSPP role
The Head of the Prevention and Protection Service (RSPP) is appointed by the Employer, who is required to do so if the company has at least one employee or equivalent worker, such as collaborators or trainees. This role, defined by Legislative Decree 81/2008, is an essential technical safeguard for competent and authoritative company safety management.
Requirements for assuming the RSPP role
Scope and responsibilities of the RSPP role
External vs. internal RSPP: a comparison
Procedure for appointing an external RSPP
The Employer appointing an external RSPP must:
- Verify that the candidate holds the required professional qualifications.
- Formally appoint the external professional.
Penalty system
Failure to appoint an RSPP is a criminal offence carrying a penalty of imprisonment from three to six months or a fine ranging from EUR 3,500 to over EUR 9,000. It is not merely a matter of the appointment itself: selecting an unqualified or inadequate professional may also result in significant penalties.
Operating methods and working tools
Benefits of outsourcing the RSPP
FAQ
What is the criminal liability of the RSPP (internal or external) in the event of a workplace accident?
The RSPP may be held criminally liable if a causal link is established between negligent conduct on the RSPP’s part and the harmful event. Although the role is primarily advisory, the Italian Supreme Court (Cassazione Penale) has established that the RSPP must carry out the role with the utmost diligence, actively contributing to identifying and managing company risks. If the RSPP fails to report known hazards or propose adequate prevention measures, penalties may follow. However, ultimate responsibility remains with the Employer, who is the primary guarantor of safety in the company.
How do the responsibilities differ between an internal and an external RSPP?
The legal responsibilities of an internal RSPP and an external RSPP are equivalent: both have an advisory and proactive role in ensuring company safety. The main distinction lies in the relationship with the company. The internal RSPP is an employee, while the external RSPP operates as an independent consultant, giving the Employer greater flexibility in managing the service. The external RSPP also often brings diversified experience gained across different company contexts, which can translate into innovative solutions and best practices not always available to an internal professional.
How does the external RSPP integrate into ISO 45001 management systems?
The external RSPP plays a key role in integrating company safety into ISO 45001 certified management systems. This involves creating customised procedures that align operational activities with regulatory requirements. The RSPP actively participates in business processes where risk management is critical, collaborating with the Employer and management. Thanks to their experience, the external RSPP can simplify the implementation of standardised practices and support the documentation and audits required by certifications, making the management system more robust and widely recognised.
What advantages does outsourcing the RSPP role offer?
Outsourcing the RSPP role allows the company to benefit from up-to-date professional expertise without the costs of internal training. Drawing on experience across multiple sectors, the external RSPP introduces innovative solutions and best practices that improve safety. Operating as a consultant, the external RSPP also offers an impartial, objective perspective on company processes. Service continuity is ensured by a multidisciplinary team that supports the company even during periods of absence of an individual consultant, guaranteeing safe and consistent management over time.
What is the procedure for appointing an external RSPP?
To appoint an external RSPP, the Employer must verify that the chosen professional holds the qualifications required by law, including completion of the mandatory training modules (A, B and C). The appointment must then be formalised through a written engagement. Choosing a qualified RSPP is essential, as the legislation provides for penalties against the Employer in the event of inadequate appointments. Outsourcing is particularly advantageous for companies that need specific expertise or large-scale services.
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