Performance, Monitoring and Evaluation

European Commission proposes to better protect workers from cancer-causing chemicals

The European Commission is proposing changes to the Carcinogens and Mutagens Directive (2004/37/EC) to limit exposure to 13 cancer-causing chemicals at the workplace, including 'respirable crystalline silica' (RCS).

Cancer is estimated to account for more than half of work-related deaths in the EU, totalling around 102,000 deaths per year.

Introducing these limit values will lead to fewer cases of occupational cancer and improve legal protection of exposed workers, especially in the construction sector. By reducing the differences between Member States in terms of workers' health protection, this proposal will encourage more cross-border employment, because workers can be reassured that minimum standards and levels of protection of their health will be guaranteed in all Member States

The Roadmap on Carcinogens is an EU initiative to tackle work-related cancer, which is the leading cause of occupational deaths in the EU. The goal is to help business to take action by:

• Creating awareness about the risks of exposure to carcinogens at work
• Offering tools and solutions for business and workers
• Bringing people together to exchange good practices and promoting cooperation between national and EU partners 

The initiative aims to help protect workers from harm ─ today and in the future. It contributes to Europe's Beating Cancer Plan and is supported by the 2021-2027 EU OSH Strategic Framework.

Explore the S.T.O.P. carcinogens at work website to find practical help and advice for both workers and employers. Learn about the risks, find out how to take action, and discover what the partners are doing.

Who’s behind the initiative

Launched in 2016, the initiative brings together a wide range of partners: EU Member States, EU social partners, the European Commission, European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and EU-OSHA.

Employers, workers, labour inspectorates, researchers, unions, expert organisations, educational institutions and trainers are also invited to join the network to prevent carcinogen exposure.

How to get involved?

• Share innovative solutions and best practices to reduce workplace exposure to carcinogens.
• Support awareness campaigns that inform workers and employers about risks and prevention.
• Use and promote the roadmap’s tools and knowledge to prevent exposure in your own organisation.

Strategy 2025-2027

Between 2016 and 2024, the initiative gathered a large pool of information and engaged with diverse stakeholders.

The current Roadmap on Carcinogens 3.0 - 2025-2027 strategy focusses on spreading evidence and tools for implementation of actions based on these commitments:

• Sharing health impact knowledge with employers and workers.
• Supporting employers and workers on the practical use of tools and knowledge.
• Organising regular partner meetings to guarantee sustained cooperation and awareness of activities.
• The initiative is voluntary and action driven. Partners agree on a core range of activities, but additional actions are welcome.
• The initiative aims to leave a lasting legacy to prevent work-related exposure to carcinogens.

EU-OSHA helps promote the activities of the Roadmap and supports the partners in organising events to raise awareness and promote preventive measures.