New changes in Health and Safety at Work are being introduced by the European Union, aiming to better protect workers from exposure to hazardous chemical substances.
On 6 October 2026 , the European Parliament approved the 6th revision of the Directive on carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic agents (CMRD), which provides for new occupational exposure limits and enhanced protective measures.
The changes mainly concern businesses in industry, manufacturing and production, where employees may come into contact with hazardous substances in the performance of their duties.
What does the new European framework provide, which businesses are affected and what should employers know?
What is changing in Health and Safety at Work in 2026?
The 6th revision of the European CMRD Directive updates the framework for protecting workers from substances that can cause serious health effects.
In particular, it provides for:
New or updated occupational exposure limits for specific hazardous chemical substances.
Enhanced prevention and protection measures for workers exposed to hazardous agents.
Clearer requirements for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including respiratory protection.
Additional provisions for welding fumes, which may contain harmful substances.
Transitional implementation periods for specific limits, so that businesses have time to adapt.
The purpose of the changes is to prevent occupational diseases and strengthen safety in the workplace.
Which hazardous substances does the new Directive concern?
The revision focuses on substances used or produced during industrial and production processes.
Cobalt and inorganic cobalt compounds
Cobalt is used, among other things, in battery production and in specific industrial applications.
The new Directive provides occupational exposure limits for the better protection of workers who come into contact with this particular metal and its compounds.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons may be generated during industrial processes such as the production of iron, steel and aluminium.
The new framework provides exposure limits, with special transitional arrangements for certain production sectors.
1,4-dioxane
1,4-dioxane is a chemical substance used in specific industrial applications, including in the chemical and textile industries.
The revision introduces occupational exposure limits, with the aim of reducing risks to workers’ health.
Isoprene
Isoprene is used mainly in the chemical industry and in the production of synthetic rubber.
The new revision also includes an occupational exposure limit for this substance.
Welding fumes
Particular importance is also attached to welding operations, as the fumes produced may contain hazardous substances.
The new European framework strengthens the management of related risks where welding fumes contain carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic agents.
Which businesses are affected by the new exposure limits?
The changes mainly concern businesses in which hazardous chemical substances are used or harmful agents are produced during work.
Indicatively, activities affected include:
Battery production and metallurgy.
Steelmaking and the aluminium industry.
The chemical and textile industries.
The production of rubber.
The production of carbon and graphite.
Welding operations involving exposure to hazardous agents.
The application of the new requirements depends on the substances present in the workplace, the type of production process and the level of workers’ exposure.
Therefore, not all businesses in a sector are affected in the same way.
What is provided for workers’ protection?
Beyond the new occupational exposure limits, the revision places emphasis on prevention and the proper use of protective equipment.
Particular importance is attached to:
The assessment of occupational exposure
Businesses must know which hazardous substances are present in the workplace and which workers may be exposed to them.
The appropriate protective measures
Protecting workers requires the implementation of technical and organisational measures, depending on the risks of each activity.
The use of Personal Protective Equipment
The revision clarifies requirements for the use of protective equipment, particularly where respiratory protection is required.
Informing and training workers
Workers must be aware of the risks associated with the substances to which they may be exposed and the measures required to protect them.
The new framework also provides additional safeguards for the use of protective equipment, such as regular breaks in areas free from contamination risk, in cases provided for by the relevant provisions.
When will the new exposure limits be applied in Greece?
The European Parliament’s approval of the revision on 6 October 2026 is an important step in the legislative process.
However, approval does not mean that all the new limits are already being applied in Greek businesses .
Implementation of the Directive requires completion of the European legislative process, its entry into force and its transposition into national law.
The agreed European framework provides for a two-year deadline for transposition by the Member States, after the Directive enters into force.
For certain occupational exposure limits, longer transitional periods are предусмотрены.
Until the new provisions are applied, businesses remain obliged to comply with the current Health and Safety at Work framework.
What should employers pay attention to?
The revision is an opportunity for businesses to review how they manage risks from hazardous substances.
Depending on their activity, it is important for employers to consider:
Whether workers are exposed to substances covered by the new framework.
Whether the written occupational risk assessment adequately reflects the specific exposures.
Whether the existing technical and organisational protective measures are suitable.
Whether the required Personal Protective Equipment is being used.
Whether workers have received the appropriate information and training.
Whether adjustments are required in view of the new European limits.
Timely preparation can help businesses organise their processes more effectively and adapt to future regulatory requirements.
Health and Safety at Work: an ongoing obligation for businesses
Protecting workers from hazardous substances is not only a matter of legal compliance.
It is directly linked to the prevention of occupational diseases, the creation of safe working conditions and the responsible operation of every business.
The 6th revision of the CMRD Directive strengthens the European protection framework and highlights the importance of continuous assessment of occupational risks.
For businesses operating in industrial and production sectors, monitoring the new requirements is essential for the proper planning of their next steps.
How can AFS support you?
Monitoring legislative developments and properly managing employers’ obligations are important elements of a business’s day-to-day operations.
AFS – Athens Financial Services provides comprehensive business support, through Payroll & HR, consultancy and regulatory compliance services, helping businesses remain organised and informed about their obligations.
Do you need guidance on employers’ obligations and your business’s compliance?
The AFS team is at your disposal to discuss your business needs.
Contact us:
- Telephone: 210 8317702
- Email: info@afs.gr
Alternatively, complete the contact form below and a representative of AFS will contact you to discuss your business needs.
