In our daily work we receive many inquiries from foreign companies that want to post workers to Spain. One of the most common questions concerns REA safety training Spain and the training requirements related to registration in the Accredited Companies Register (REA Register).
The topic is not always straightforward. European regulations, Spanish national legislation and administrative practice may differ. In addition, labour authorities in each Autonomous Community may verify occupational health and safety training in different ways during the REA registration process.
One of the key elements verified when applying for REA registration is compliance with occupational health and safety regulations. Incorrect or incomplete documentation may significantly delay the procedure or even result in rejection of the application.
What safety training must posted workers have in order to meet Spanish and EU legal requirements? Below we explain the most important rules and how companies should prepare the safety training required for REA registration in Spain.
Spanish legal requirements for construction safety training
The legal framework for occupational health and safety in Spain is mainly based on the Occupational Risk Prevention Law (LPRL) and the General Collective Agreement for the Construction Sector (CGSC). These regulations define the safety training requirements for workers in the construction sector.
Occupational risk prevention law (LPRL)
According to Article 19 of the LPRL, employers must provide workers with adequate theoretical and practical safety training adapted to the worker’s position and specific tasks.
Training must also be repeated whenever there is a change in job role, technology used or work equipment. Employers are responsible for ensuring that workers receive sufficient preparation to perform their duties safely.
General collective agreement for the construction sector (CGSC)
The collective agreement specifies the levels of training required in the Spanish construction industry.
- First cycle – basic training (8 hours)
This introductory course is mandatory for workers performing tasks that do not involve specific high-risk activities.
- Second cycle – job-specific training (20 hours or 6 hours for workers who previously completed basic training)
This training applies to specific construction professions such as masonry, electrical work, reinforcement work, welding and similar trades. In practice, these courses are among the most commonly required training programs for REA registration.
Basic construction safety course (60 hours)
This training is required for workers responsible for safety coordination on construction sites. It may be delivered in classroom format or as mixed training, with at least 20 hours of in-person instruction.
These courses are usually organised and approved by the Fundación Laboral de la Construcción.
REA safety training Spain requirements for construction workers
For companies planning to register in the REA Register, REA safety training Spain requirements are one of the key elements verified by labour authorities.
Workers involved in construction projects must demonstrate that they have completed occupational safety training that meets both Spanish regulations and European requirements. Authorities may verify these documents at any stage of the REA registration procedure or during labour inspections.
The main contractor or investor may also request documentation confirming that each worker has received appropriate safety training before allowing access to the construction site.
Requirements under EU Directive 89/391/EEC
At the European level, the main legal framework governing occupational health and safety is the Framework Directive 89/391/EEC. Companies posting workers to another EU Member State must comply with the obligations defined in this directive.
Article 7 – protective and preventive services
Employers must designate internal employees responsible for prevention and protection measures related to occupational risks.
If the company does not have sufficient internal expertise, it must use external specialised services.
The employer must also provide adequate resources, equipment and time for carrying out preventive activities.
Article 12 – worker training
Every worker must receive appropriate and sufficient safety training adapted to their job role and potential workplace risks.
Training must be provided free of charge and during working hours.
It should also be repeated periodically and updated whenever there are changes in job tasks, equipment or work procedures.
Practical implications for companies posting workers to Spain
Combining Spanish and EU requirements means that companies posting workers must comply with several practical obligations.
Companies must ensure that they have a prevention and protection service, either internal or external, that also covers posted workers.
Workers must confirm that they have received occupational health and safety training in accordance with Article 12 of Directive 89/391/EEC and Article 19 of the Spanish LPRL. In many cases this documentation forms part of the REA safety training Spain verification process.
In the construction sector, workers must also meet the training requirements defined in the General Collective Agreement for the Construction Sector, which typically includes 8-hour, 20-hour or 60-hour training depending on the job role.
The main contractor or investor may require documentation confirming the training of each worker before allowing them to work on the construction site.
Administrative practice and regional differences
Although legislation is the same across Spain, administrative practice during REA registration may differ between Autonomous Communities.
In some regions it may be sufficient to demonstrate that workers completed occupational safety training in the sending country in accordance with the requirements of Directive 89/391/EEC.
However, labour authorities increasingly require workers involved in construction work to complete a 20-hour in-person training course. Certificates confirming completion of safety training should be translated into Spanish or another official language used by the relevant regional authority.
If the training completed in the home country includes fewer hours than required, authorities may request that workers complete a course directly in Spain at a training centre approved by the Fundación Laboral de la Construcción.
In such cases it may also be necessary to provide an interpreter so that workers can fully participate in the course. Some training centres also offer courses in English.
Summary
Posting foreign workers to Spain in the construction sector requires compliance with both European and Spanish regulations governing occupational safety.
Companies must follow the requirements of Directive 89/391/EEC as well as Spanish legislation such as the Occupational Risk Prevention Law and the General Collective Agreement for the Construction Sector.
They must also be aware that administrative practice may differ between Autonomous Communities and that authorities may require workers to complete a 20-hour in-person training course even if training has already been completed in the home country.
Preparing the appropriate documentation and understanding the rules related to REA safety training Spain can significantly facilitate the REA registration process for foreign construction companies.
More information about construction safety training in Spain can be found on the website of the Fundación Laboral de la Construcción: