In 2017 a landmark Protocol on Action Against Assault in prisons and social integration centres was agreed by the unions, CSI-F and UGT, and the Prison Administration (Ministry for Internal Affairs/ General Secretariat of Penitentiary Institutions 2017). It reflects the important priority given to the participation of trade unions, including OSH representatives, under the Law 31/95 on the Prevention of Occupational Risks. The Protocol acknowledges that while the prison environment and the higher prevalence of aggressive and antisocial behaviors, mental disorders and addictive behaviors amongst prison inmates can result in aggression against a worker, it is important to focus on prevention, to implement the principle of zero tolerance of violence, and to guarantee the safety and security of prison employees. The Protocol defines aggression to include "any violent conduct" including, at the request of trade unions, a wide definition to include verbal aggression, threats and coercion. The Protocol puts a focus on preventative strategies, risk assessment, structures for reporting and monitoring violence at work, and a Specific Registry of Aggressions whose data will allow, in the medium term, root cause analysis and follow-up preventive measures. This will be carried out by existing Multidisciplinary Teams who ensure better identification of risks, patterns of aggression, problem areas and improvement measures. The Protocol also provides for disciplinary penalties where violent acts occur, psychological and legal support for workers affected by serious aggression, training in prevention and responses to aggressive behaviour, and regular information on safety procedures. The aim is to anticipate and prevent attacks, particularly the situations where they are likely occur, such as during search activities, searches and transfers of inmates. This means understanding risk factors, for example, when working with people who are admitted to a center against their will, or working with prisoners facing social exclusion, with mental problems or with the use of toxic substances, people with poor social skills , low tolerance for frustration, low level of education, etc. Enhanced therapeutic and treatment programmes for inmates are provided for, including the development of a Violent Behavior Intervention Program (PICOVI) for inmates who are serving sentences for violent crimes and for those who while in prison show violent behaviors, which aims to help inmates change their behaviour through the acquisition of cognitive, emotional and behavioral skills. The Protocol is an important step towards more effective prevention and protection of prison workers, an outcome that benefitted from the participation of unions and management.