On October 1, 2024, a new system will come into force to ensure compliance with safety regulations on construction sites: the credit license for work safety. This system, introduced by the PNRR Decree 2024 and published in the Official Gazette on September 20, 2024, aims to strengthen protections for health and safety
at work.
Here is a detailed guide to understand how it works, who is required to obtain it and what are the penalties for non-compliance.
What is a Work Security Credit License
The credit license is a system for qualifying businesses and self-employed workers based on a score. Every business or professional starts with 30 credits, which can be reduced in the event of violations of safety regulations at work. This system is similar to that used for driving licenses: the score decreases with infractions, but it can be recovered through training
.
The purpose of a credit license is to certify that companies comply with accident prevention regulations on construction sites, improving safety at work and reducing the risk of accidents.
Who is a Credit Driver’s License for
A credit license is mandatory for businesses and self-employed workers who operate on temporary or mobile construction sites, as established by the PNRR Decree 2024. Only companies that already have an SOA qualification certificate, as required by the Legislative Decree of 31 March 2023, are exempt from the duty to obtain a driving license
.
How a Credit Driver’s License Works
The credit license is issued with an initial score of 30 credits, but additional points may be awarded based on the history of the company, training activities or investments in safety at work, up to a maximum of 40 additional credits.
The score may be reduced in the event of violations of safety regulations at work. Here are some of the main situations in which points are subtracted
:
• 20 credits in the event of an accident at work with a fatal outcome;
• 15 credits in the event of an accident involving permanent disability;
• 10 credits for temporary disability or serious violations of safety regulations.
The company or the self-employed worker that accumulates less than 15 credits will not be able to operate on construction sites. It is possible to recover lost credits by participating in training courses, which allow you to repurchase up to 5 credits
per course.
Credit License Issuance and Requirements
To obtain a credit license, the applicant (business or self-employed) must meet a series of requirements, including:
• Registration with the Chamber of Commerce;
•Fulfilment of the training obligations provided for by current regulations;
•Possession of a single contribution regularity document (DURC) and the risk assessment document (DVR);
•Tax regularity demonstrated through the Single Tax Regularity Document (DURF).
The license is issued in digital format by the National Labor Inspectorate and will be managed through a dedicated online platform.
Penalties and Reductions
In the event of a loss of credit, the expected penalties are high.
Operating on construction sites with a score of less than 15 credits or without a license involves fines ranging from 6,000 to 12,000 euros and the exclusion from public works for a period of six months.
The license can be suspended for a maximum of 12 months in the event of serious accidents at work.
Credit Recovery
Credit recovery is possible through participation in professional training courses. Each course allows you to recover 5 credits, with a maximum of 15 recoverable credits. In addition, an annual increase of 1 credit is expected for companies that prove that they have not received penalties for two consecutive years
.
When Will It Take Effect
The credit license will take effect from October 1, 2024. Companies and self-employed workers operating on construction sites will have to adapt to the new regulations by that date
.
Allocated Resources
For the implementation of the credit license, the following have been allocated:
• 3,250,000 euros for the year 2024;
• 2,500,000 euros for the following years.
These resources are intended to support the credit license management system and related training.
Conclusion
The credit license represents an important step forward for work safety on construction sites. Businesses and self-employed workers will have to strictly comply with regulations to maintain an adequate score and continue to operate
.
