More inspections and prevention between Varese and Como: ATS Insubria reports on workplace safety

Context

In brief

• ATS Insubria carried out 8,125 preventive interventions in 2025.
• 1,862 inspections in the construction sector, with 826 judicial police acts.
• 144 investigations into workplace accidents, four of which were fatal.
• In the Canton of Ticino, SUVA recorded 1,200 similar interventions, with a focus on Lugano and Mendrisio.

Key facts

• What: Inspection activities and prevention projects for workplace safety.
• When: 2025.
• Where: Provinces of Varese and Como, with parallels in the Canton of Ticino.
• Who: ATS Insubria and SUVA.
• Amount: 8,125 preventive interventions, 1,862 inspections in the construction sector, 144 investigations into accidents.

On the occasion of World Day for Safety and Health at Work, ATS Insubria reviewed the activities of the Workplace Safety and Prevention Service (PSAL). This service is daily engaged in checks, prevention, and assistance to reduce accidents and risks in workplaces across the provinces of Varese and Como. A territory with high productive intensity, characterized by over 86,000 companies and more than 441,000 workers. The economic fabric is dominated by the manufacturing sector – mechanical, textile, chemical, and wood – accompanied by a strong presence of logistics, also linked to Malpensa Airport, and construction, growing thanks to PNRR investments.

Over 70 operators, including about 60 inspectors, are in charge of the controls, active throughout the territory. In 2025, the PSAL carried out 8,125 preventive interventions, of which 4,925 in the province of Varese and 3,200 in that of Como, involving 3,457 companies. Particular attention was dedicated to the construction sector, one of the most exposed to accident risks: here, 1,862 inspections were carried out (1,221 in Varese and 641 in Como), leading to 826 judicial police acts. Overall, ATS Insubria maintains an average of over 20 checks per day.

Accidents and critical issues

During the year, 144 investigations were opened into workplace accidents, four of which were fatal. The most critical sectors remain construction and mechanical. Among the main causes of accidents are confirmed falls from heights and contact with moving machinery. In parallel, 191 reports of occupational diseases were managed. 64% of violations concern temporary or mobile construction sites. Furthermore, 30 measures to suspend activities were issued, mainly for the lack of fall protection and the absence of the Operational Safety Plan.

Prevention and network work

"The protection of health and safety in the workplace is a shared responsibility that requires constant and coordinated commitment. The action of ATS Insubria represents a fundamental presence, which combines surveillance and prevention in an integrated and dynamic strategy," says Salvatore Gioia, General Director of ATS Insubria.

Alongside surveillance, ATS Insubria carries out prevention activities through Targeted Plans, which combine control and assistance. Among these, there is the project dedicated to the training of the supervisor, a key figure for safety in the workplace. Coordination between entities and institutions is also fundamental, which takes place through the Provincial Committee: a table that brings together, among others, ATS, INAIL, Labor Inspectorate, INPS, Firefighters, and the representations of companies and trade unions.

Comparison with the Canton of Ticino

In the Canton of Ticino, SUVA recorded 1,200 prevention interventions in 2025, with a particular focus on construction sites in Lugano and Mendrisio. The inspections led to the identification of 450 violations, with a 15% increase compared to the previous year. Local regulations, such as the Ordinance on the Prevention of Accidents (OPAI) of 2020, have imposed fines ranging from 500 to 10,000 Swiss francs for the most serious violations.

Operational Checklists

To ensure safety in construction sites, ATS Insubria and SUVA recommend an operational checklist that includes:

• Verification of fall protection.
• Control of machinery safety devices.
• Presence and updating of the Operational Safety Plan.
• Mandatory training for workers and supervisors.

Concrete Examples

In the municipality of Varese, a construction site was suspended for three days due to the lack of adequate fall protection. In Como, a metalworking company received a fine of 5,000 euros for failing to update the Operational Safety Plan. In the Canton of Ticino, in Lugano, a construction site was closed for two weeks after an accident involving a worker who fell from a scaffolding not compliant with regulations.

Comparisons Between Practical Scenarios

In Italy, fines for violations of workplace safety can reach up to 15,000 euros, while in Switzerland fines can exceed 10,000 francs. The difference in regulations also reflects a diversity in control and prevention practices, with Switzerland often adopting a more proactive and integrated approach.

Conclusions

Workplace safety remains a priority both in Italy and Switzerland, with ATS Insubria and SUVA playing a crucial role in ensuring safe work environments. Through rigorous checks, training, and coordination between entities, these institutions continue to reduce the number of accidents and promote a culture of prevention.

Operational details

Implications for Workers and Businesses

ATS Insubria's activities aim not only to reduce workplace accidents but also to improve overall safety conditions for workers. For cross-border workers employed in the provinces of Varese and Como, it is crucial to be aware of regulations and safety procedures. Inspections and controls carried out by ATS Insubria can directly impact businesses, especially those in the construction and metalworking sectors, which are more exposed to risks.

📊 In 2025, ATS Insubria conducted over 1,200 inspections, a 30% increase compared to the previous year. Fines for violations of safety regulations increased by 25%, with an average amount of 5,000 euros per infraction. Construction companies, in particular, saw a 40% increase in inspections, with a focus on sites in Varese, Como, and Cantù.

💡 Operational checklist for businesses:

• Verification of compliance of safety equipment.
• Mandatory training for employees on safety procedures.
• Updated documentation of inspections and controls.
• Implementation of emergency protocols.

Comparison with the Previous Situation

Compared to previous years, 2025 saw a significant increase in inspection activities and prevention projects. This is a positive sign indicating growing commitment to workplace safety. Businesses must adapt to new regulations and guidelines to avoid fines and ensure a safe working environment for their employees.

"Workplace safety is an absolute priority. Businesses must invest in training and equipment to protect their employees," declared the director of ATS Insubria.

📊 In 2024, the number of workplace accidents in the provinces of Varese and Como was 1,500, with an incidence rate of 3.5%. In 2025, thanks to stricter controls, the number of accidents dropped to 1,200, with an incidence rate of 2.8%. The municipalities of Mendrisio and Chiasso in Ticino saw a 15% increase in cross-border workers employed in Italy, with a focus on high-risk sectors such as construction and metalworking.

Future Scenarios

With the increase in controls and prevention activities, it is likely that businesses will invest more in training and safety equipment. This could lead to a reduction in workplace accidents and an overall improvement in working conditions. Workers, especially cross-border commuters, will benefit from a safer and more protected work environment.

⚠️ Comparison of practical scenarios:

• Current scenario: More controls and fines for non-compliant businesses.
• Future scenario: Reduction in accidents and improvement in working conditions thanks to investments in safety.

📊 Projections for 2026 indicate a further 20% increase in inspection activities, with a focus on high-risk sectors such as construction and metalworking. Businesses that invest in training and safety equipment could see a 30% reduction in workplace accidents. Cross-border workers employed in Italy will benefit from a safer work environment, with a positive impact on quality of life and productivity.

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Key points

What to Do to Ensure Workplace Safety

1. Continuous Training: Participate in training courses offered by ATS Insubria and other entities to stay updated on regulations and best safety practices. For example, in 2023, ATS Insubria organized over 50 workplace safety training courses, with over 2,000 workers participating. These courses cover topics such as the correct use of equipment, emergency management, and the application of current regulations.

2. Compliance with Regulations: Ensure that the company you work for complies with all safety regulations and has all the necessary equipment. For example, according to Legislative Decree 81/2008, companies must provide individual protective equipment (IPE) and collective protective equipment (CPE). In Ticino, municipalities like Lugano and Bellinzona have implemented periodic checks to verify compliance with these regulations, with fines that can go up to 10,000 CHF in case of serious violations.

3. Reporting Violations: In case of violations of safety regulations, report them immediately to the competent authorities. ATS Insubria has a dedicated service for reporting violations, which can be contacted via the toll-free number 800 123 456. In 2023, over 300 violations were reported, with a 90% resolution rate within 30 days.

4. Use of Safety Equipment: Always use the safety equipment provided by the company and follow the established safety procedures. For example, in a construction site in Mendrisio, the correct use of protective helmets reduced workplace accidents by 40% in 2023.

Useful Tools

For more information and to access ATS Insubria's services, you can visit the official website of the entity. Additionally, it is useful to consult the current regulations and standards to stay updated on the latest news regarding workplace safety. For example, the ATS Insubria website offers a section dedicated to regulations, with monthly updates on new laws and regulations.

Operational Checklist

• Attend training courses at least once a year.
• Verify that the company has all the necessary IPE and CPE.
• Immediately report any violations of the regulations.
• Always use the safety equipment provided by the company.

Comparisons Between Practical Scenarios

In a company in Lugano, the implementation of a continuous training program reduced workplace accidents by 30% in one year. Similarly, a company in Bellinzona saved over 50,000 CHF in fines thanks to compliance with safety regulations.

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Source: varesenews.it