More and more Italian companies are introducing artificial intelligence tools into their processes: chatbots, predictive analytics software, automation of repetitive tasks. This is a concrete change that affects the way people work every day.
But there is one aspect that many business owners underestimate: when work organisation changes, so do the risks. And occupational safety regulations require document updates, new assessments and specific training.
In this article we look at what adopting artificial intelligence in the workplace means from an occupational safety perspective, and what steps are needed to stay compliant.
How are companies using artificial intelligence?
AI adoption is no longer limited to large multinationals. Today even small and medium-sized companies use artificial intelligence on a daily basis, often without fully realising it: automatic email filters, virtual assistants, software that analyses warehouse data or optimises staff shifts.
Italian companies that have integrated at least one AI-based tool are continuously growing in number. The phenomenon spans different sectors: from restaurants using automated inventory management software, to tradespeople using assisted quoting tools, to professional firms with document analysis platforms.
For business owners, the relevant point is not the technology itself, but its impact on work organisation and the risks workers are exposed to.
Artificial intelligence and occupational safety: why are they connected?
When a company introduces artificial intelligence into its processes, the internal organisation changes. Job roles, rhythms, tools and required skills may all change. And every time the way of working changes, Legislative Decree 81/08 requires the employer to reassess the risks.
These are not futuristic scenarios. AI software that automates part of office work can change exposure times at video display units. A system that assists with goods handling redefines the human-machine relationship in the warehouse. Even the introduction of AI tools for personal data management has direct implications for privacy and the handling of employee information.
The link between AI and safety is not theoretical: it is regulatory. And ignoring it exposes the company to concrete risks, both in terms of penalties and actual protection of its people.
New training obligations for companies adopting AI
Every significant change in work organisation requires an update of the risk assessment and, where necessary, worker training. The introduction of artificial intelligence for companies of any size fully qualifies as such a change.
In practice, the employer must verify whether the risks described in the DVR are still current or whether the adoption of AI tools has introduced new ones. They must also ensure that workers are trained, or updated, regarding the changes that affect them.
The areas most involved are work-related stress (AI changes workloads and rhythms), video display unit risk, privacy management (AI processes data, often personal) and IT security. These are not strictly new obligations, but existing obligations that find new application with the arrival of artificial intelligence in companies.
Which courses are needed to comply?
The good news is that compliance does not require complicated training paths. The necessary courses are those already provided for by Legislative Decree 81/08, to be activated or updated based on the new risks introduced by AI.
General worker training remains the starting point: every employee must know the basic safety concepts and the risks of their job role. If that role has changed with the introduction of AI tools, an update becomes necessary.
Specific low-risk training applies to the majority of office and commercial activities — precisely those where AI is entering most rapidly. The RSPP course ensures that whoever holds safety responsibility in the company has the skills to assess risks linked to new technologies as well.
Finally, privacy training has become essential: AI processes data, often automatically, and every company must ensure its employees know how to handle it in compliance with the GDPR.
All of these courses are available on our website in e-learning format, with fast completion times and compliant certificates.
Italian companies and artificial intelligence: where do things stand?
The Italian productive fabric is made up mainly of micro and small companies, and these are precisely the businesses experiencing the most delicate phase of AI adoption. The technology is increasingly accessible, but awareness of the resulting occupational safety obligations remains low.
Italian companies that use artificial intelligence often focus on the immediate benefits (time savings, efficiency, cost reduction) without updating their mandatory documentation and training. In the event of an inspection, failure to assess the new risks can result in penalties.
AI in the workplace: complying is simpler than you think
Artificial intelligence is changing the way thousands of Italian companies work, and with it come changing obligations regarding safety. We at Sicurezza Online are here to guide you every step of the way: our dedicated consultants help you understand what your company needs and get you compliant quickly, with e-learning courses and compliant documents. Contact us!
Frequently asked questions from our customers
Here are the most common questions we receive from our customers.
- Does artificial intelligence in the workplace introduce new safety obligations? It does not introduce completely new obligations, but makes it necessary to update existing ones. Legislative Decree 81/08 requires that any change in work organisation entails a review of the risk assessment. The adoption of AI tools falls within these changes: the DVR must be updated and worker training must reflect the actual risks associated with the new digital tools.
- What training courses are needed if the company uses AI tools? The fundamental courses are: general worker training, specific training for the risk level of the job role (typically low risk for office activities), the RSPP course for the safety manager, and privacy training. All are available in e-learning format and allow rapid compliance without interrupting work.
- Does the DVR need to be updated when artificial intelligence is introduced? Yes. Every time working conditions change — and the introduction of AI tools changes them — the employer is required to update the Risk Assessment Document. Failing to do so means exposure to penalties in the event of an inspection. A specialist technician can carry out the update quickly, analysing the specific changes in your company.
- Does the use of AI change the privacy risk assessment in the company? Yes. Artificial intelligence processes data, often in an automated way, and this has a direct impact on the requirements of the GDPR. The company must verify that data processing is compliant, that employees are trained on the subject, and that the privacy documentation is up to date. Specific privacy training is now one of the most important compliance steps for anyone adopting AI tools.