[Occupational risks and repetitive strain injuries in the Italian legislation]

Based on the experience gained from several criminal proceedings handled by the Public Prosecutor's Office in Turin, the author presents and discusses the Italian legislation covering the prevention of musculo-skeletal pathologies of the upper limbs in the workplace. In particular, the author examines the obligations associated with issuing medical reports on such disorders, and focusses attention on the obligations of the employer with respect to prevention (i.e. technical, organisational and procedural measures), monitoring employee health and the provision of training and information for employees in the light of both existing legislation (Italian Civil Code, DPR 303/56 and DPR 1124/65) and more recent regulations (D. Lgs. 626/94).