Labour and Workplace Safety Crimes
In the Italian legal system, the protection of workers' health, dignity and safety is a constitutional principle, enshrined in Articles 32, 35 and 41 of the Constitution.
In corporate criminal law, violations of labour and safety regulations can have significant consequences in terms of criminal liability, involving not only the employer but also other persons holding guarantee functions within the corporate organisation.
Offences covered in this area
Each offence has its own page with the applicable rules, evidentiary issues and defence strategy.
Employment and Workplace Safety OffencesWorkplace Accidents: Manslaughter and Negligent Personal InjuryIllicit Intermediation and Labour Exploitation (Art. 603-bis)Irregular Employment and Undeclared WorkTax Payment Omissions Related to EmploymentWorking Hours Regulation ViolationsCorporate Criminal Liability (Legislative Decree 231/2001)Criminal Defence of Entrepreneurs
How the firm works on this area
- Ricostruzione della dinamica dell'evento lesivo con consulenze tecniche
- Verifica dell'adeguatezza del sistema prevenzionistico aziendale
- Analisi delle deleghe di funzione e delle posizioni di garanzia
- Valutazione del nesso causale tra violazione normativa ed evento
- Coordinamento con la difesa ex D.Lgs. 231/2001
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Frequently asked questions about Labour and Workplace Safety Crimes
What are the main labour and workplace safety crimes?
The main offences include negligent manslaughter and negligent personal injury aggravated by violation of occupational safety regulations (Arts. 589-590 Criminal Code), illicit intermediation and labour exploitation (Art. 603-bis Criminal Code), irregular employment and contribution and tax omissions related to employment management.
What is the offence of gangmastering (Art. 603-bis Criminal Code)?
Gangmastering punishes both those who recruit labour for the purpose of assigning workers to exploitative conditions and those who directly employ workers under exploitative conditions, taking advantage of their state of need. The penalty ranges from one to six years' imprisonment, with a fine per worker involved and mandatory confiscation of assets.
Can workplace accidents entail entity liability under Legislative Decree 231/2001?
Yes, Article 25-septies of Legislative Decree 231/2001 provides for entity liability for negligent manslaughter and serious or very serious negligent personal injury resulting from violation of occupational safety regulations. The entity may be subject to pecuniary and interdictory sanctions, but may be exempt from liability if it demonstrates that it adopted and effectively implemented a suitable organisational model (MOG 231).
How is criminal liability apportioned between the employer, manager and supervisor?
Criminal liability for workplace accidents is apportioned according to hierarchical role and delegations actually conferred. The employer has non-delegable obligations (risk assessment, appointment of the safety officer). The manager is liable for areas within their competence. The supervisor is liable for operational control in the immediate working environment. The defence reconstructs the chain of delegations and verifies the effective transfer of powers, obligations and resources necessary to discharge safety duties.
What specific safety obligations fall on the employer under Legislative Decree 81/2008?
Legislative Decree 81/2008 requires the employer to assess all risks (DVR), appoint a health and safety officer (RSPP), train and inform workers, provide personal protective equipment, and adapt the workplace to technical standards. Failure to comply with or delay in meeting these obligations constitutes the objective precondition of criminal liability for workplace accidents.
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