Abruzzo rolls out new workplace health plan and hires 44 staff for health access points

The Abruzzo regional government announced a new Regional Prevention Plan for occupational health and safety, presented by Health Assessor Nicoletta Verì on the 70th anniversary of the Marcinelle mining disaster. The plan, coordinated by a committee that includes representatives from INAIL, INL, ASL, INPS, fire services, ARPA, USMAF, unions and industry groups, targets high‑risk sectors such as construction, agriculture, metalworking and workshops handling carcinogenic substances. It adds measures to reduce falls, improper tractor use, unsafe machinery, biomechanical overload and work‑related stress, and introduces training modules and self‑assessment tools. Protocols have been signed with the prefectures of Teramo and L'Aquila, with similar agreements planned for Chieti and Pescara.

In a related move, the regional council approved 44 new permanent positions for the Single Access Points of health districts, following a proposal by Social Policies Assessor Roberto Santangelo. The hiring, funded by €1.7 million from the national non‑self‑sufficiency fund and totalling €2 million, will be distributed across 21 territorial social areas to support municipalities and health agencies in managing assistance needs and strengthening socio‑health integration.