Strenuous jobs: what they are and the requirements they must meet
Strenuous jobs are those that, more than others, prove to be particularly taxing and demanding for those performing these activities in the workplace.
The law has intervened several times on this topic to protect workers carrying out the most arduous tasks, such as in the area of pension systems.
For a job to be correctly classified as strenuous, certain requirements must be met, some of which should already be outlined in the employment contract.
If you’re wondering, “How can I know if my job is strenuous?” we recommend reading our detailed guide on the subject. Additionally, it’s advisable to check the INPS website or seek support from a patronage institution recognized by law.
What are the strenuous jobs recognized by INPS?
Here is the complete list of strenuous jobs:
- Jobs in tunnels, quarries, or mines, including tasks performed by workers advancing primarily and continuously in underground environments. This includes quarries and mines as well as other environments with similar physical characteristics and comparable difficulties in movement and access.
- Jobs in high-temperature environments.
- Jobs in compressed-air chambers.
- Work performed by divers.
- Hollow glass production.
- Asbestos removal work.
- Jobs performed predominantly and continuously in confined spaces, such as shipbuilding, repairs, and maintenance within structures like interspaces, double bottoms, pits, blocks, and similar areas.
- Assembly line or series work, including tasks that require adherence to a specific production pace or activities evaluated based on work time measurements.
- Drivers of vehicles used for public collective transport services with a capacity of more than nine seats.
This list of strenuous jobs is defined by Legislative Decree 67/2011. Specifically, according to the law, strenuous work refers to practical tasks that are often sources of stress and injuries due to their physical demands.
Benefits of strenuous jobs
One notable benefit of such jobs is the early retirement pension, which includes specific financial advantages, such as allowances in the calculation of service years.
According to Article 2 of the Ministry of Labor Decree of May 19, 1999, strenuous jobs include those performed in tunnels, quarries, mines, or confined spaces; diving work; jobs in compressed-air chambers; high-temperature environments; asbestos handling; and hollow glass production.
These jobs are characterized by challenging conditions, requiring greater physical and mental effort in terms of time and intensity. Prevention is of paramount importance to minimize risks and dangers in such workplaces.
Other legally recognized strenuous jobs
Beyond the listed roles, other types of labor-intensive tasks are also considered strenuous. These include:
- Assembly line workers.
- Drivers of heavy vehicles (minimum capacity of at least nine seats, including the driver).
Strenuous jobs and night work
In addition to the jobs listed above, night work performed for a minimum number of days annually is also classified as strenuous.
Employees with night shifts are eligible for early retirement benefits, such as:
- Workers performing at least 78 nights per year may retire under Quota 97.6.
- Workers performing between 72 and 78 nights per year may qualify for Quota 98.6.
- Workers performing between 64 and 72 nights per year receive a two-year increase in the retirement age requirement and qualify for Quota 99.6.
What qualifies as unrecognized strenuous work?
In some cases, strenuous work may not be recognized, such as when it lacks specific contractual acknowledgment. However, workers who have performed different strenuous tasks than those outlined in their contracts may still apply to INPS for recognition, provided they submit adequate documentation.
Years required for retirement with strenuous work
In 2024, workers engaged in strenuous jobs can retire early with 41 years and 10 months of contributions for women or 42 years and 10 months for men, regardless of age. Alternatively, they can opt for old-age retirement at 67 years with at least 20 years of contributions.
| Type of Pension | Condition |
|---|---|
| Early Retirement | 41 years and 10 months for women; 42 years and 10 months for men. |
| Old-age Retirement | 67 years of age with at least 20 years of contributions. |
Newly recognized strenuous jobs for 2025
The list of strenuous jobs is periodically updated to reflect changing social and economic contexts. Newly recognized roles include:
- Construction workers in extractive industries, building maintenance, and demolition.
- Heavy machinery operators in construction and mining.
- Railroad operators and train personnel.
- Tanners and leather processors.
- Heavy goods vehicle operators.
- Personal care assistants for non-self-sufficient individuals.
- Preschool teachers.
- Sanitation workers and garbage collectors.
- Healthcare professionals working in structured hospital shifts.
- Agricultural and maritime workers.
Social APE (Advance Pension)
Legislative updates have expanded the category of strenuous jobs under the Social APE program, which allows early retirement at age 63 for workers in strenuous jobs with at least 30 years of contributions. The Social APE program will continue to benefit workers facing physically demanding or risky conditions.
