Answer to a written question – Implementation of EU legislation to protect healthcare workers from exposure to hazardous medicinal products – E-002148/2025(ASW)

The EU acquis in the area of health and safety at work protects workers against all risks to their occupational safety and health.

Directive 2004/37/EC on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens, mutagens or reprotoxic (CMR) substances at work[1], in particular, requires employers to assess all risks from exposure or likely exposure to CMR substances that their workers face, and to take the measures necessary to prevent or minimise these risks, including related to training and personal protective equipment (PPE).

In addition to the Commission Communication with an indicative list of hazardous medicinal products (HMPs)[2], the Commission issued, in 2023, a Guidance for the safe management of HMPs at work[3].

This non-binding guide provides detailed information and guidelines on the safe handling of HMPs during their whole lifecycle, covering different aspects, such as risk assessment, training, personal protective equipment and the use of closed systems.

Both initiatives will help prevent and control risks from occupational exposure to HMPs, especially in the healthcare sector.

• [1] Directive 2004/37/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens, mutagens or reprotoxic substances at work (OJ L 158 30.4.2004, p. 50) — https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2004/37/oj/eng.
• [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/C/2025/1150/oj/eng
• [3] https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/ee1e6d15-4095-11ee-952f-01aa75ed71a1/language-en.