2nd April 2026
Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment with responsibility for Small Business, Retail and Employment, Alan Dillon TD, has signed two new sets of Regulations into law. The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Chemical Agents) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Carcinogens, Mutagens and Reprotoxic Substances) (Amendment) Regulations 2026.
Implementing EU Directive 2024/869, the new regulations aim to improve worker protection from the harmful effects of lead and diisocyanates. Both substances can pose serious health risks, including impacts on fertility, sexual function, the nervous system and other long‑term health problems.
For the first time, the Directive sets EU‑wide occupational exposure limits for diisocyanates, chemicals commonly linked to asthma and skin conditions. An estimated 4.2 million workers across the EU are exposed to these substances. The Directive also strengthens protections related to lead exposure. As lead can accumulate in the body over time, the new rules require ongoing medical monitoring for workers with elevated blood‑lead levels, even if the exposure occurred in the past. Workers whose levels fall may continue working with lead. Stricter exposure limits are also set for female workers of childbearing age.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD said:
“The benefits of these regulations include reduced illnesses, improved quality of life for workers and improved health outcomes for workers and their families. It’s imperative that we support workers in all workplaces and environments, and these new regulations will further strengthen our employment laws.
Welcoming the updated Regulations, Minister Dillon highlighted how,
“Government is commitment to reducing worker exposure to hazardous substances such as lead and diisocyanates. Industry has already developed training programmes for workers using diisocyanates following the 2020 REACH restriction and the Health and Safety Authority has been encouraging firms to ensure workers complete this training. This Directive adds a further layer of protection for workers. I would like to thank the Health and Safety Authority for their continued work in maintaining high standards of workplace safety in Ireland.”
These amended Regulations, along with updated Codes of Practice, ensure that the Directive is fully implemented in Irish law.
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