New Royal Decree on household service: what obligations do private individuals now have?

What is Royal Decree 893/2024 and why is it important?

On 10 September 2024, Royal Decree 893/2024 was published, a regulation that for the first time sets out in detail the protection of safety and health in the field of household service.
This regulation represents a significant step forward in the professionalisation of the sector and in aligning the preventive rights of domestic workers.

Who is affected by this new regulation?

The decree applies to all private individuals who hire domestic workers, regardless of whether the service is provided by the hour, part-time or full-time.
In other words, anyone who has hired domestic help must comply with these obligations.

What obligations must private employers comply with?

The Royal Decree sets out a series of new requirements that must be taken into account:

1. Prepare a risk assessment
   Private individuals must draw up an occupational risk assessment, identifying possible hazards linked to household tasks (cleaning, use of chemical products, repetitive movements, loads, etc.) and establishing the necessary preventive measures.
2. Provide personal protective equipment (PPE)
   When tasks require it, the worker must have the appropriate PPE, such as gloves, non-slip footwear or specific protection for handling certain products.
3. Provide specific training in occupational risk prevention
   The worker must receive appropriate and specific training on how to carry out their tasks safely, how to use PPE, and how to prevent risk situations in the domestic environment.
4. Inform about risks and preventive measures
   In addition to training, it is mandatory to provide clear and understandable information on the specific risks associated with the job and the preventive measures that must be applied.
5. Guarantee the possibility of a medical examination
   The decree establishes that the worker must have the option to access health surveillance, meaning a medical examination related to the risks of their activity.

What happens if these obligations are not met?

This regulation strengthens the protection of a particularly vulnerable group. Failure to comply may lead to legal liabilities and possible sanctions, as well as increasing the risk of accidents and incidents in the home.

How can CINC help?

At CINC we offer advice on risk prevention, preparation of assessments, regulatory information and support in complying with the Royal Decree, so that private individuals and families can adapt to this new regulation with complete safety.