Legislative Updates – 21JUL26

1. European Union – Major Step Towards Stronger Protection from Hazardous Substances

The Council of the European Union and the European Parliament have reached a provisional agreement on the sixth revision of the Carcinogens, Mutagens and Reprotoxic Substances Directive (CMRD). This is one of the most significant European occupational health developments this year.

The agreement would:

• introduce new occupational exposure limits for cobalt and inorganic cobalt compounds;
• establish exposure limits for 1,4-dioxane;
• establish exposure limits for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs); and
• add welding fumes to the list of hazardous processes specifically covered by the Directive.

Why this matters

Although this is not yet law, once formally adopted EU member states will eventually need to transpose these requirements into national legislation.

For organisations working in:

• manufacturing,
• mining,
• fabrication,
• heavy engineering,
• steel production,
• battery manufacturing,
• chemical processing,

this could result in:

• revised exposure monitoring;
• improved engineering controls;
• updated respiratory protection programmes;
• revised health surveillance.

I think this is probably the most important legislative development globally during the past fortnight.

2. Great Britain – Chemicals (Health and Safety) Regulations Amendment

The UK Parliament is currently considering the Draft Chemicals (Health and Safety) (Amendment) (Consequential and Transitional Provision) Regulations 2026.

These amendments are largely technical and are intended to ensure Great Britain’s chemicals regime continues to operate effectively following ongoing divergence between UK and EU chemical classification rules.

The HSE has also confirmed that further work will continue through 2026–2027 to determine whether new EU chemical classification changes should be replicated within Great Britain before they take effect elsewhere.

Why this matters?

While these amendments are unlikely to change day-to-day safety management immediately, organisations involved in:

• importing chemicals;
• manufacturing;
• hazardous substances;
• SDS preparation;
• chemical labelling;

should monitor developments closely because future classification changes could trigger updates to:

• COSHH assessments;
• Safety Data Sheets;
• labels;
• employee training.

3. New Zealand – Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill Continues Through Parliament

The Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill continues progressing through the New Zealand Parliament following its report back from the Education and Workforce Committee.

As we’ve discussed previously, proposed amendments include:

• narrowing certain regulatory obligations;
• changes to governance expectations;
• proposed clarification around critical risks;
• significant discussion regarding working-at-height provisions.

The Bill has attracted considerable debate within the New Zealand safety profession.

Why this matters?

If enacted in its current form, organisations operating in New Zealand would need to review:

• governance arrangements;
• critical risk management;
• working-at-height procedures;
• legal compliance frameworks.

Although not yet enacted, this remains one of the most significant proposed reforms to New Zealand’s health and safety legislation in recent years.

4. Brazil – Psychosocial Risk Requirements Now in Force

Brazil’s revised Regulatory Norm No. 1 (NR-1) is now in effect, requiring employers to incorporate psychosocial hazards into their occupational risk management programmes. Labour inspectors are currently taking an educational approach while organisations adapt.

The new expectations include consideration of:

• excessive workload;
• workplace stress;
• harassment;
• organisational factors affecting worker mental health.

Why this matters?

This is one of the most significant examples globally of psychosocial hazards moving from guidance into enforceable occupational health and safety obligations.

Many jurisdictions—including Australia and parts of Europe—are watching similar developments closely.