Abstract

The recent Italian laws on occupational safety - that is the Act 19.9.1994, no. 626, and the following decrees of 1996/1997, all deriving from EC directives - have renewed the scientific discussion about the relationship between individual and the collective aspects of workers' safety. This paper offers a general outlook of the means of self-protection - at the individual and collective level - and on the action of Trade Unions concerning safeguard and improvement of the working conditions. The final part of the essay carries out the analysis of the important role which, in this matter, may be played by the collective agreements.