Greece sets stricter rules for chemical exposure at work

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security in Greece issued a presidential decree establishing new exposure limits for lead and diisocyanates, chemicals used in industry. The decree also expands health monitoring requirements for workers handling these substances.

The government will now track worker health more closely when they come into contact with these materials.

The new regulations lower acceptable exposure levels to dangerous chemicals and update biological limit values for lead and its inorganic compounds, which are considered toxic to reproduction. The Ministry of Labour intends to use digital tools to record hazardous chemicals used in manufacturing and the safety measures in place to protect workers.

Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Security, Kostas Karagounis, stated that worker health and safety is a priority for the ministry, and the new framework represents a step toward better protecting people at work. The Ministry plans to map hazardous chemicals used in industry and the measures taken to limit worker exposure, aiming for more thorough monitoring of workplace risks and more effective inspections.

These changes seek to align workplace health and safety standards with the latest scientific and technical information.