The member states of the European Union have given the green light this Monday to an update of the community regulations aimed at strengthening the protection of workers against exposure to hazardous substances present in various industrial processes, such as battery manufacturing, steel production, or the textile sector. With this revision, the community institutions estimate that about 1,700 cases of lung cancer and another 19,000 diseases can be avoided in the next 40 years.
The decision, adopted by the EU Council, constitutes the sixth amendment of the directive on carcinogenic agents, mutagens, and toxic substances for reproduction. Its purpose is to adjust the limits of occupational exposure to the latest scientific knowledge and reduce health risks for employees.
In particular, the new rules set updated limits for cobalt and its inorganic compounds, used in battery production; for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, present in activities related to steel, iron, and aluminum; and for 1,4-dioxane, used in the chemical and textile industries.
The revision also includes the incorporation of welding fumes into the annex of the directive that lists the substances, mixtures, and processes covered by its provisions, with the aim of strengthening the protection of workers exposed to these agents during the performance of their activities.
The reform also provides for additional measures for those cases where it is not possible to reduce the presence of these agents below the established limits. Among them, the use of personal protective equipment is contemplated, such as respiratory protection devices, as well as the right of employees to take periodic breaks in areas free from contamination risk.
The text also incorporates specific guarantees for firefighters and other emergency service professionals, due to their possible contact with various hazardous materials during work. Additionally, training for those who may be exposed to carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic substances for reproduction is strengthened.
These obligations extend to the handling of certain hazardous medications, including those that can cause harm to healthcare personnel if not handled or administered properly.
With the approval of the Council, the legislative processing of this modification is completed. The new regulation will enter into force after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union and, from that moment on, the member States will have a period of two years to transfer the new provisions to their national legislations.