Collective fall protection systems

Collective protective devices against falls from height (CPD) are systems intended to eliminate the risk of falling, ensuring the simultaneous protection of all workers present in a potentially hazardous area, without requiring individual actions or interventions by the operators. These systems operate passively, preventing the fall of people or materials from elevated areas.

The use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) — such as helmets or other technical gear — remains mandatory, depending on the specific operating conditions and any residual risks present.

In accordance with the general protection principles set out in Article 15 of Legislative Decree 81/2008, collective protection solutions must be adopted as a priority over individual protective devices.
If the implementation of collective systems is not feasible or sufficient, the use of individual protection systems — such as lifelines, anchor points, and specific PPE for fall protection — is permitted.

The identification and installation of fall protection systems must be carried out by qualified technicians, who will assess the structural characteristics of the site, the environmental conditions, and the type of work involved.