On 13^rd February 2023, the Commission has taken action to further improve the protection of workers from the health risks linked to the exposure to dangerous chemicals: lead and diisocyanates.

Concretely, the Commission proposes to amend two Directives:

• for lead, the Directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens, mutagens and reprotoxic substances at work
• for lead and diisocyanates, the Directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to chemical agents at work

The proposed changes will also be key to protect workers in the context of advancing the transition to climate neutrality: both lead and diisocyanates are likely to be used, for example, in the production of batteries and in processes to make electric vehicles lighter, in wind turbines or as insulating materials during building renovations.  

Further information can be found on Commission’s website.