The opening of the workplace on construction sites is one of the mandatory procedures that contracting companies must complete before work begins in Spain. Proper handling not only ensures compliance with occupational risk prevention regulations, but also avoids administrative penalties and delays to the start of the works.
This procedure is especially important for foreign companies carrying out projects in Spain, as they must adapt to Spanish occupational health and safety legislation.
In this guide, we explain step by step how to file the notification of the opening of a workplace on construction sites, what documentation you need, and how to simplify the entire process.
What is the notification of the opening of the workplace on construction sites?
The notification of the opening of the workplace is the procedure by which the contractor informs the competent labour authority of the start of a construction project.
This procedure is mainly regulated by Royal Decree 1627/1997 and Order TIN/1071/2010, which establish that the notification must be submitted before work actually begins.
In addition, the notification must be kept up to date when there are significant changes during the execution of the works, and a copy must remain available on site for possible inspections.
Who is required to complete this procedure?
The obligation lies with the employer acting as the main contractor on the project.
It is not subcontractors who submit the notification, but the company that assumes the status of contractor under Royal Decree 1627/1997.
When must it be submitted?
On construction sites, the notification must be submitted before work starts.
It is not advisable to wait until the last minute, as any documentation issue may delay the start of the project.
Required documentation
Although it may vary slightly between autonomous communities, you will normally need:
- Contractor identification details.
- Developer details.
- Information about the project.
- An approved Health and Safety Plan or, where applicable, the corresponding risk assessment.
- Minutes of approval of the Health and Safety Plan, where required.
- Information on the expected duration of the works and the number of workers.
In many autonomous communities, submission is carried out entirely online using a digital certificate.
Notification of the opening of the workplace on construction sites, step by step
1. Preparing the Health and Safety Plan
Before starting any procedure, there must be a Health and Safety Plan tailored to the specific characteristics of the project.
This document sets out the preventive measures needed to protect all workers during the execution of the project.
2. Obtaining approval
Where required by regulations, the plan must be approved by the health and safety coordinator during the execution phase. Without this approval, the opening notification cannot be properly completed.
There are specialist companies that provide Health and Safety Coordination services, ensuring that all technical documentation complies with current legislation.
3. Preparing all administrative documentation
Before submitting the notification, it is advisable to check that all details match:
- Company tax ID (CIF).
- Developer details.
- Exact site address.
- Planned dates.
- Contact information.
- Preventive documentation.
A small error may require you to repeat the procedure.
4. Submitting the notification to the labour authority
Submission is made to the competent labour authority of the autonomous community where the works will be carried out.
Currently, most public administrations require electronic submission using a digital certificate.
5. Keeping the documentation on site
Once the notification has been registered, it must remain available together with the rest of the preventive documentation for any actions by the Labour Inspectorate.
Most common mistakes
The most common issues are:
- Submitting the notification after the works have started.
- Incorrect contractor details.
- Health and Safety Plan without approval.
- Failing to update the documentation when there are significant changes.
- Not knowing the specific requirements of the autonomous community.
These errors can lead to administrative requests, delays, and even penalties.
How can GespreObra help you?
Managing all preventive documentation correctly can be complex, especially for companies that carry out works only occasionally in Spain or are unfamiliar with Spanish regulations.
At GespreObra, we offer a comprehensive service to facilitate legal compliance throughout the execution of the project, including:
- Health and Safety Coordination.
- Prevention technicians for on-site support.
- Technical office for preparing preventive documentation.
- Consultancy and document management to control all documentation required by legislation.
- Coordination of Business Activities (CAE) to ensure proper management of concurrent companies.
You can find out about all our services here. We specialise in occupational risk prevention for construction, civil works, industry, renewable energy, and infrastructure, providing technical support throughout the entire project lifecycle.
Is your company going to carry out a project in Spain?
The notification of the opening of the workplace on construction sites is much more than an administrative procedure: it is an essential requirement to start a project with full legal and preventive guarantees. Preparing the documentation correctly, meeting deadlines, and having specialist advice reduces risks, avoids penalties, and allows you to focus your efforts on executing the project.
If you are an international company and are going to carry out a construction project in Spain, having a specialised local partner can make all the difference. At GespreObra, we support foreign construction companies throughout the entire implementation process, taking care of the notification of the opening of the workplace, health and safety coordination, document management, coordination of business activities, and compliance with all Spanish occupational risk prevention regulations.
Our team understands the needs of international companies and acts as a local technical department so you can start your project safely, quickly, and with complete peace of mind. Contact GespreObra and let us take care of regulatory compliance while you focus on the success of your project.
