New EU Guidelines on Asbestos: a Step Forward for Worker Protection in Construction

Nuove Linee Guida UE sull'Amianto: un passo avanti per la protezione dei lavoratori nei cantieri

La Commissione Europea ha adottato le Linee Guida per la gestione dei rischi amianto sul lavoro, con espliciti riferimenti al ruolo dei Coordinatori della Sicurezza

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On 18 December 2025, the European Commission adopted the "Guidelines for Managing Asbestos-Related Health and Safety Risks at Work" 

The Guidelines are designed to support national authorities, employers, and workers in implementing the revised Directive 2009/148/EC, which introduced significantly lower occupational exposure limits. Developed with contributions from trade unions, employer organisations, national authorities, and health and safety experts, they offer practical advice on training, risk control measures, and good practices across sectors particularly affected by asbestos exposure — including construction, renovation, and maintenance. They include over 40 case studies from Member States.

Notably for the construction sector, the Guidelines explicitly acknowledge coordination duties under Directive 92/57/EEC — including the appointment of Safety and Health Construction Coordinators (SHCCs) and their role during both the project preparation and execution phases. This clarification reinforces coordination as a key function within OSH management on construction sites where asbestos is present.