Stronger protection for workers with new asbestos guidelines and updated list of occupational diseases

The European Commission has adopted new measures to better protect workers from asbestos, a dangerous cancer-causing substance.

These measures contain:

• Guidelines to help Member States uphold EU rules that significantly lower workers' exposure to asbestos, including practical advice on training and control measures

• An updated Commission Recommendation listing more occupational diseases, including several types of cancer, to protect worker health promote the

  right to receive compensation for work-related exposure

These new measures come on top of the revised asbestos at work Directive of 2023, which set lower occupational exposure limits and other measures to reduce workers' risk. By 21 December 2025, Member States must incorporate the Directive into national law. These actions deliver on the EU's comprehensive approach for an asbestos-free future in Europe,supporting people's health and the environment.

Practical advice to reduce asbestos exposure

The Commission has published guidelines to help Member States, employers, and workers implement the revised Directive. The guidelines were developed with input from trade unions, employer organisations, companies, national authorities, and health and safety experts. They provide clear and practical information for managing asbestos-related risks in sectors like construction, renovation and maintenance. They also use real-life examples and case studies from Member States to help employers and workers reduce exposure and prevent cancer.

Promoting workers' compensation for asbestos-related diseases

Around 75% of workplace cancers in the EU are linked to asbestos. Based on the latest medical and scientific evidence, the Commission has updated the Commission Recommendation on occupational diseases. This update will promote consistent recognition of these diseases across Member States and promote necessary support and compensation for affected workers.

The following diseases that can be caused by asbestos exposure at work have been added to the schedule (annex I):

• cancer of the larynx
• cancer of the ovary
• pleural plaques with lung impairment
• non-malignant pleural effusion

The Commission calls on Member States to include them in their national systems for occupational compensation.

In addition, the Commission urges Member States to take steps towards ensuring that workers diagnosed with colon, rectal or stomach cancer (added to annex II) can receive compensation when a link to asbestos exposure at work is proven.

Member States are also encouraged to improve prevention, diagnosis, research and data collection in this area.

Background

Asbestos exposure remains one of the leading causes of occupational cancer in the EU. The substance still affects many workers, particularly in renovation and recycling activities, for instance to better insulate buildings or when recycling materials from older buildings. Protecting workers from carcinogens is a key objective of Europe's Beating Cancer Plan and the EU Strategic Framework on Health and Safety at Work 2021-2027.

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