Health Surveillance and Intern Students: Compliance and Obligations under Legislative Decree 81/08 in 2026

Pursuant to Art. 41 of Legislative Decree 81/08, students engaged in work-based learning programmes are treated as workers when using laboratories, equipment, video display units or chemical agents. The obligation to activate Health Surveillance through an Occupational Physician ensures corporate compliance and avoids the penalties provided for failure to protect health.

Why is an intern student treated as a worker?

The regulations clarify that, even in the absence of a formal employment relationship, exposure to specific risks (physical or chemical agents, or the use of equipment) requires the application of the same protective measures provided for employees. As established by Ministerial Ruling No. 1/2013, there is an obligation to subject underage students to Health Surveillance in order to protect their physical integrity.

Who must identify the obligation for Health Surveillance?

The company's Occupational Physician is responsible for defining personalised protocols based on the training context, ensuring the development of targeted prevention measures. SAPRA Medicina del Lavoro provides professionals for identifying situations in which the student meets the legal requirements.

What does the health protocol for interns involve?

The implementation of safety measures through SAPRA Medicina del Lavoro includes:

• Scheduling preventive medical examinations to be carried out strictly before the start of the internship.
• Arranging specific tests defined according to the risks present in the workplace.
• Periodic health monitoring throughout the entire internship period.
• Carrying out diagnostic assessments to issue the specific fitness-for-duty certificate.

Ensure your company's safety with SAPRA Medicina del Lavoro

Guarantee full regulatory compliance for your training internships and avoid the risk of penalties for failure to conduct surveillance:

1. Activate preventive medical examinations before the student begins.
2. Define targeted health protocols with the support of our experts.
3. Monitor the health of trainees through our qualified medical consultancy.