[Vigilance in application of law 125/2001 concerning alcohol and alcohol-related risk assessment in workplaces].
OBJECTIVE
The prohibition of using, dispensing or distributing alcoholic drinks at workplaces involving an elevated risk of accidents (Art. 15 - Law 125/2001 "General policy concerning alcohol and alcohol- related problems") is consistent with the duties of employers and employees regulated by Decree 626/94. The purpose of this rule of law is the health protection of workers and of any third party in the workplace. Alcohol-addiction in workers has to be considered as part of the risk assessment and, in the case of the hazardous activities identified in the law, the increase in risk due to alcohol consumption must also be considered


CONCLUSIONS
Along with the prohibition of dispensing or distributing alcoholic drinks at the workplace, companies can launch training and information campaigns on the adverse health effects resulting from by harmful and hazardous alcohol consumption in workplaces, which will be all the more effective if addressed to all workers and not only to the more exposed employees. In developing this activity, the company occupational health physician has a central role to play by giving assistance to employees, involving the management and cooperating with public institutions. The controlling body will promote, support and supervise this process. In particular, the local authorities for Occupational Health and Safety (PSAL), together with social partners, will encourage companies to start up projects for health protection, will facilitate cooperation with the Pathological Addiction Services (Ser. T), and will encourage the implementation of a network to facilitate occupational health physicians in analyzing accident risks and solving health problems related to alcohol abuse.
Cornaggia
Nicoletta
N
Unità Organizzativa Prevenzione, tutela sanitaria e veterinaria, Direzione Generale Sanità, Regione Lombardia, via Pola 9/11, 20124 Milano. nicoletta_cornaggia@regione.lombardia.it
Saretto
G
G
Tiso
C
C
Caironi
M
M
D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D016272:Occupational Health / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D018570:Risk Assessment