Protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens, mutagens or reprotoxic substances at work. Codification
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With the European Parliament, which is preparing its first-reading position.
Last active 14 Dec 2023
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What this bill does
In plain terms: what it changes and who it affects.
This proposal consolidates EU workplace rules protecting workers from cancer-causing, gene-altering, and fertility-harming substances without changing their substance.
Who it affects
It affects workers exposed to hazardous substances at work, and employers in sectors using or producing such substances, including healthcare settings handling hazardous medicinal products.
Core of the proposal
- Requires employers to assess exposure risks by nature, degree, duration, and exposure route.
- Requires substitution where technically possible, or closed systems and minimized exposure where not.
- Sets binding occupational exposure limits and biological limit values in annexes.
- Requires worker training, health surveillance, exposure records, hygiene measures, and restricted risk-area access.
Key provisions
- Takes effect
- The Directive enters into force on the twentieth day following publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
- Transitional law
- The repeal of Directive 2004/37/EC does not affect Member States’ existing transposition deadlines and application dates listed in Annex V.
Articles changed · 1 across 1 law
- Directive 2004/37/EC
- entire act: repeals the entire directive, as amended by acts listed in Annex V, Part A
Latest update
08 Jun 2026The most recent development in this bill's progress.
Commission proposal → 1st reading – European Parliament
Commission proposal → 1st reading – European Parliament
Documents
1 recentSourcesOEILEUR-LexEU Law Tracker