EU: European trade unions in favor of a revision of the law on the protection of workers from electromagnetic fields

Take account of scientific progress. European staff representatives answered yes to the consultation launched by the European Commission shortly before the summer (see our dispatch No. 090796) on the need to revise directive 2004/40 protecting workers against electromagnetic fields. The ETUC and the EPSU (in charge, notably, of the medical and electricity sectors), wrote in their answer that scientific progress allows updating the directive both regarding values which can be directly measures by employers, which lead to protection measures, and the limit values of exposure to electromagnetic fields. Indeed, recent research showed that the limits set by the European directive were too strict. They think that a revision is even more needed since the directive doesn’t contain the notion of scientific progress, only considering the mid-term impact of exposure and forgetting about long-term effects.
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

ific progress allows updating the directive both regarding values which can be directly measures by employers, which lead to protection measures, and the limit values of exposure to electromagnetic fields. Indeed, recent research showed that the limits set by the European directive were too strict. They think that a revision is even more needed since the directive doesn’t contain the notion of scientific progress, only considering the mid-term impact of exposure and forgetting about long-term e

Do you have information to share with us?
What you absolutely must read this week
The essential content of the week selected by the editorial team.
See all
France: sectors feel economic slowdown to differing degrees
The latest data on France’s occupational sectors (branches professionnelles), covering the year 2023, show how employment trends are shaping workplace dynamics. After a more favourable period for...
United Kingdom: Parliament finally passes Employment Rights Bill
The UK Labour government's flagship reform of employment rights was passed by both houses on 16 December after a turbulent parliamentary process. The bill introduces numerous changes to labour...
18 December 2025
EU: social partners in telecoms sign joint statement on AI
On 16 December, the social partners in Europe's telecommunications sector unveiled a joint statement on artificial intelligence. They propose an action plan for skills and commit to raising...
18 December 2025
EU: MEPs demand directive on algorithmic management
Members of the European Parliament have called for a directive on algorithmic management. Such legislation would introduce obligations for companies to inform employees, assess health and safety...
17 December 2025
Most viewed articles of the month on mind HR
What readers clicked on the most last month.
What readers clicked on the most last month.
1
Spain: new terms and conditions for in-company training contracts
On 25 November, Spain's Council of Ministers approved a regulation on training contracts. This text defines the terms and conditions for hosting work-study students and interns doing professional...
2
France: sectors feel economic slowdown to differing degrees
The latest data on France’s occupational sectors (branches professionnelles), covering the year 2023, show how employment trends are shaping workplace dynamics. After a more favourable period for...
3
Germany: apprenticeship openings fall sharply in manufacturing and chemicals
From 1 January 2026, Dutch collective agreements for temporary employment agencies will alter the employment conditions of temp workers. Agencies will be required to pay these workers at least the...