As you pass construction sites, you’ve probably read the signs hanging on the railings and noticed the acronyms CSE and CSP, but you haven’t fully grasped their meaning or role. Below are some basic notions to help you understand the duties and roles of these professionals.
What are CSE and CSP
These two acronyms represent one of the key roles within a construction site: the safety coordinator. This single name actually corresponds to two different professional roles, distinct yet connected. These roles were defined by Legislative Decree No. 81 of 2008: “concerning the protection of health and safety in the workplace.”
Who is the safety coordinator
As mentioned, this is an essential and key role on the construction site, acting as an intermediary between the client, designer, and contractors. This role acts as a bridge between the three parties involved in construction work. The coordinator can be appointed by either the client or the project manager. Their duties are divided into two different, parallel roles, which can be performed by two different individuals or by the same person. These roles include:
CSP, or Safety Coordinator during the Design Phase;
CSE, or Safety Coordinator during the Execution Phase.
Who appoints the Coordinator and what are the requirements to represent this figure
Appointing a coordinator is mandatory when multiple construction companies are present on the construction site, even if they are not operating simultaneously. Article 90 of the Consolidated Law establishes that, as previously mentioned, the appointment may be made by either the client or the project manager.
Professionals qualified to serve as CSP or CSE must possess at least one recognized qualification, along with proven work experience. Qualified professionals may hold the following:
Diploma in surveying, industrial engineering, agriculture, or agrotechnics, along with at least three years of work experience in the construction sector;
Bachelor’s degree in classes 8, 9, 10, or 4, with a certificate of proven work experience in the construction sector for at least two years and a document certifying this from the employer;
Bachelor’s degree as per Ministerial Decree March 16, 2007, in the following study classes: L7, L8, L9, L17, and L23;
Specialist’s degree in classes 4/S, 25/S to 38/S, 77/S, 74/S, or 86/S, along with proven work experience;
Master’s degree in the following classes: LM-4, LM-20 to LM-35, LM-69, LM-73, or LM-74.
In addition, in addition to one of the previous qualifications, candidates must have a certificate of attendance for a specific 120-hour workplace safety training course, after which they must successfully pass the final exam. This certificate is not permanent; it must be renewed every five years with a 40-hour refresher course, as defined by current legislation.
Duties and responsibilities of the Safety Coordinator
Regarding the tasks the coordinator is required to perform, we must distinguish between the two roles, as there is a clear distinction based on the work phase.
CSP Obligations
The safety coordinator’s duties during the design phase fall within the phases preceding the start of construction of the project, or rather, within the scope of preparation. They consist of:
Drafting the safety and coordination plan, also known as the PSC;
Preparing the project file with information on risks for subsequent work.
CSE Obligations
Regarding the obligations during the construction phase of the project, these are assigned to the second role, the CSE.
The CSE has many more duties to perform. The main ones are:
Monitoring and verifying the application of the PSC;
Verifying the suitability of the POS and the correct application of work procedures;
Adapting the documentation prepared by the CSP to reflect the work performed;
Coordinating activities and providing mutual information between companies;
Verify compliance with agreements between the parties;
Report any anomalies by contractors to the client or project manager and propose solutions or suspension of work;
Report any non-compliance to the Local Health Authority (ASL) and the local management if certain rules and measures are not implemented;
Suspend work activities in the event of serious dangers or impediments.
Differences between CSP, CSE and RSPP
We can therefore define the substantial difference between CSP and CSE. Both roles are defined by Legislative Decree 81/2008 in Articles 91 and 92. The differences are:
The CSP writes the PSC, or safety and coordination plan. This document regulates construction site safety, contains all project characteristics, and includes plans for prevention and protection from risks to which workers may be exposed.
The CSE ensures that the aforementioned plan is adhered to and correctly implemented by all workers throughout the duration of the work.
The Prevention and Protection Service Manager (RSPP) is responsible for protecting the health and safety of workers and preventing potentially hazardous or dangerous situations. Their role is to draft a risk assessment document, together with the project manager, the safety manager, and the company doctor, that outlines the workplace risks and the related protection and prevention processes.