1. European Union – Agreement Reached on New Worker Protection Standards
This is probably the most significant development globally during the past week.
The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union reached a provisional political agreement on the sixth revision of the Carcinogens, Mutagens and Reprotoxic Substances Directive (CMRD).
Key changes
The agreement introduces:
- New occupational exposure limits (OELs) for:
- Cobalt and inorganic cobalt compounds
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
- 1,4-Dioxane
- Isoprene
- Welding fumes formally recognised within the Directive.
- Stronger requirements regarding PPE use.
- Requirements for regular breaks where workers must wear PPE for prolonged periods.
- Transitional arrangements for industries affected by new exposure limits.
Why it matters
If adopted, employers throughout the EU will need to:
- review COSHH-equivalent assessments,
- reassess airborne exposure monitoring,
- review ventilation systems,
- update health surveillance programmes,
- review PPE requirements.
This is a very significant development for manufacturing, construction, mining, foundries, metal fabrication and chemical industries.
2. United Kingdom – Final Week of the RIDDOR Consultation
The UK’s consultation on proposed reforms to RIDDOR closes on 30 June 2026, making this the final opportunity for businesses and safety professionals to influence the future reporting framework.
The proposals include:
- clearer reporting requirements,
- revised dangerous occurrence definitions,
- updated occupational disease reporting,
- allowing diagnoses from a wider range of health professionals,
- reducing unnecessary reporting burden.
Why it matters
Any organisation operating in the UK should consider whether the proposals adequately capture:
- high-potential incidents,
- emerging occupational diseases,
- process safety events.
As we’ve discussed previously, this consultation presents an opportunity to modernise UK incident reporting.
3. Brazil – New Psychosocial Risk Requirements Now in Force
Brazil’s revised Regulatory Norm No. 1 (NR-1) has now come into force, requiring employers to formally identify and manage psychosocial risks within their occupational risk management programmes.
Employers must now assess hazards such as:
- excessive workload,
- workplace stress,
- harassment,
- organisational factors,
- mental health risks.
Although regulators have indicated they will initially focus on education rather than enforcement, this represents one of the more significant legislative shifts towards psychological health in the workplace.
4. European Parliament Begins Discussion on the Post-2027 EU OSH Strategy
The European Parliament has begun discussions on the next EU Strategic Framework on Health and Safety at Work, which will replace the current strategy after 2027.
Key emerging themes include:
- occupational disease prevention,
- mental health,
- artificial intelligence,
- climate change,
- heat stress,
- occupational cancers.
While this is not yet legislation, it provides a clear indication of where future European regulation is heading.
5. UK – Heat Stress Becomes a Major Regulatory Focus
Although no new legislation has been introduced, several official bodies have issued updated guidance during the recent heatwave, including:
- UK Health Security Agency,
- HSE,
- Acas.
The renewed guidance reinforces employer duties to manage heat stress through risk assessment, hydration, rest breaks, ventilation and flexible working where appropriate.
At the same time, trade unions have renewed calls for legally enforceable maximum workplace temperatures, but no legislative proposal has yet been adopted.
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