Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Netherlands Clarifies Employers May Require Face Masks Under Working Conditions Act

The Dutch Ministry of Health has clarified that employers may mandate face masks under existing occupational health and safety laws to ensure workplace safety. Businesses should ensure mask policies are supported by up-to-date risk assessments (RI&E) and adhere to the STOP hierarchy of control measures.

5 Apr 2026, 19:33open.overheid.nlNetherlands

EU Consolidated Version of Decision (EU) 2023/941 on PPE Harmonised Standards (08 April 2026)

The EU has published a consolidated reference of harmonised standards for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), clarifying which technical specifications currently grant a presumption of conformity. Manufacturers must verify that their product certifications and technical documentation align with these updated standards as older versions are phased out.

4 Apr 2026, 10:31eur-lex.europa.euEuropean Union

Italy (INAIL) Publishes Guidance on Formaldehyde Exposure in Pathology Laboratories

Italy’s INAIL has issued new guidance on managing formaldehyde exposure in pathology laboratories, reinforcing strict occupational exposure limits and the mandatory hierarchy of prevention. Businesses using formaldehyde must prioritize substitution with safer alternatives and ensure rigorous technical controls to meet the now-fully-effective 0.37 mg/m³ 8-hour limit.

4 Apr 2026, 10:28inail.itItaly

France Strengthens Customs Powers Over E-Commerce Small Parcels

France has expanded customs authority to inspect small e-commerce parcels regardless of EU entry point, effective March 2026, to combat tax avoidance and non-compliant imports. Businesses must prepare for increased scrutiny of cross-border logistics and higher operational costs as EU-wide parcel taxes and flat duties phase in through late 2026.

31 Mar 2026, 21:28economie.gouv.frFranceEuropean Union

France DGCCRF Issues Guidance On Personal Protective Equipment, Including Rented And Second-Hand PPE

France’s DGCCRF has updated guidance on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), detailing compliance obligations under EU Regulation 2016/425 and French national codes. Manufacturers and rental providers must prioritize traceability and lifecycle documentation to meet heightened market surveillance standards for both new and second-hand products.

29 Mar 2026, 17:07economie.gouv.frFranceEuropean Union

Slovenia Consults on Draft Law Establishing Internal Market Emergency Measures and Critical Product Procedures

Slovenia has launched a consultation on a draft law to implement the EU Internal Market Emergency and Resilience Framework, establishing national procedures for supply chain monitoring and emergency product derogations. Manufacturers of critical goods should prepare for potential fast-track conformity assessments and temporary market access rules during EU-declared emergencies, alongside stricter enforcement for non-compliance.

28 Mar 2026, 20:33e-uprava.gov.siSlovenia

Quincy, Massachusetts Approves $2.65 Million for PFAS-Free Firefighter Gear

Quincy, Massachusetts, has approved $2.65 million to replace all firefighter turnout gear with PFAS-free alternatives to mitigate occupational health risks. This move signals accelerating municipal-level procurement shifts and stricter enforcement of state-level PFAS phase-outs, increasing pressure on PPE manufacturers to eliminate "forever chemicals".

28 Mar 2026, 20:26bostonglobe.comUnited States

UK Parliament Introduces Personal Protective Equipment (Inclusive Standards) Bill

The UK Parliament has introduced a Bill requiring public sector PPE procurement to comply with the BS 30417:2025 inclusive standards. Suppliers should monitor this shift toward gender-inclusive PPE design, as it signals future contractual requirements and potential broader market expectations for equipment fit and safety.

27 Mar 2026, 18:14bills.parliament.ukUnited Kingdom

US EPA Proposes TSCA Compliance Date Extensions For Perchloroethylene And Carbon Tetrachloride

The US EPA has proposed extending TSCA compliance deadlines for perchloroethylene (PCE) and carbon tetrachloride (CTC) workplace protection requirements for non-federal facilities until mid-to-late 2027. This extension provides a necessary buffer for industry to implement complex monitoring and exposure control programs while the agency prepares broader substantive revisions to these risk management rules.

27 Mar 2026, 07:46epa.govUnited States

Ireland HSA Launches National Farm Vehicle Safety Inspection Campaign

Ireland’s Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has launched a national inspection campaign targeting the safe operation and maintenance of farm vehicles and machinery. Agricultural operators should prioritize immediate audits of equipment maintenance and operator training to mitigate risks and ensure compliance during this period of heightened enforcement.

26 Mar 2026, 11:37hsa.ieIreland

US NDAA 2026 Tightens DoD PFAS, AFFF And Firefighter PPE Requirements

The US NDAA FY2026 mandates a strict "no detectable PFAS" standard for firefighting foam by October 2026 and shifts Department of Defense procurement toward PFAS-free firefighter protective equipment. These requirements accelerate the phase-out of fluorinated substances in the defense supply chain, increasing demand for alternative chemistries and remediation technologies while heightening liability risks for legacy contamination.

25 Mar 2026, 21:40govinfo.govUnited States

Canada Proposes Tighter Workplace Noise Limits and Hearing Loss Prevention Under Canada Labour Code

Canada proposes lowering the federal occupational noise exposure limit to 85 dBA and mandating comprehensive hearing loss prevention programs. Federally regulated businesses must prepare for enhanced audiometric testing, stricter signage requirements, and potential administrative penalties for non-compliance.

25 Mar 2026, 21:32gazette.gc.caCanada

Germany (BAuA) Issues Guidance on Safety Gate Risk Assessment of Consumer Products

Germany’s BAuA has issued detailed guidance on product risk assessment under the EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) to standardize market surveillance enforcement. Manufacturers and importers should align internal risk assessments with these criteria to anticipate authority decisions on 'serious risk' notifications and potential product recalls.

24 Mar 2026, 09:24baua.deGermanyEuropean Union

Spain Health Ministry Order SND/222/2026 Repeals COVID-19 Price Caps for Masks, Antiseptics, Gels and Self-Tests

Spain has formally repealed COVID-19 emergency price caps on hygiene products, including masks, antiseptics, and antigen tests, effective March 20, 2026. This marks the end of pandemic-era market intervention, allowing manufacturers and retailers to return to market-based pricing under general consumer protection laws.

21 Mar 2026, 16:50boe.esSpain

Rhode Island House Bill H8311 on Extreme Temperature Protections for Workers

Rhode Island introduced House Bill 8311 in March 2026 to mandate comprehensive employer protections against extreme heat and cold. If enacted, businesses must prepare for new operational burdens including mandatory rest breaks, PPE provision, and recurring supervisor training programs.

21 Mar 2026, 15:48webserver.rilegislature.govUnited States

New Jersey Senate Bill S4039 Proposes To Prohibit Sale And Manufacture Of Non-Approved Personal Flotation Devices

New Jersey has introduced legislation (S4039) to ban the manufacture and sale of personal flotation devices that lack US Coast Guard approval. Businesses must ensure product portfolios align with federal safety standards to mitigate compliance risk and maintain market access in the state.

19 Mar 2026, 19:20njleg.state.nj.usUnited States

Galicia (Issga) Publishes Technical Guidance on Occupational Risks in Wineries

Galicia's Issga has released comprehensive technical guidance on occupational risk prevention specifically for the winery sector as of March 2026. Wine producers in the region should review these guidelines to ensure site safety protocols, chemical handling procedures, and worker training align with regional HSE strategy.

19 Mar 2026, 10:05issga.xunta.galSpain

Illinois IEMA Proposes Fluoroscopy Radiation Protection Amendments Allowing Enhanced Shielding Systems

Illinois has proposed allowing non-wearable Enhanced Radiation Protection Systems (ERPS) as an alternative to traditional lead aprons in medical fluoroscopy procedures. This shift enables facilities to modernize radiation safety protocols and reduce physical strain on staff, provided they implement rigorous third-party performance verification and quality assurance programs.

16 Mar 2026, 16:40ilsos.govUnited States

Poland PIP To Draft OHS Law Changes For Non-Employee Work

Poland’s National Labour Inspectorate (PIP) has announced plans to draft legislative amendments extending mandatory occupational health and safety (OHS) protections to non-employee workers, including those on civil-law contracts and outsourcing arrangements. Businesses should prepare for increased compliance obligations and liability risks as safety standards for flexible labor models are harmonized with traditional employment requirements.

12 Mar 2026, 12:45pip.gov.plPoland

Polish Labour Inspectorate Launches Hotline For Cold Workplace Conditions

Poland's National Labour Inspectorate (PIP) has launched a dedicated hotline and targeted inspection campaign to enforce minimum workplace temperature requirements. Employers must ensure strict compliance with thermal comfort standards and provision of protective equipment to mitigate the risk of immediate work stoppages and enforcement penalties.

11 Mar 2026, 17:17pip.gov.plPoland