Croatia introduces stricter asbestos rules to strengthen worker protection

ZAGREB, 1 May 2026 (Hina) – Croatia has introduced significantly stricter rules to protect workers from asbestos exposure, following the adoption of new legislation aligned with European Union standards.

The changes, approved by the Croatian Parliament on Thursday, implement EU Directive 2023/2668, marking a major step forward in occupational health and safety.

The most notable change is a sharp reduction in the permissible asbestos exposure limit. The threshold has been lowered tenfold, from 0.1 to 0.01 fibres per cubic centimetre of air.

As asbestos is a known carcinogen with no safe level of exposure, the directive requires employers to ensure that worker exposure does not exceed this new limit by 20 December 2029.

The updated rules also introduce more precise measurement criteria, including consideration of smaller fibres, reflecting advances in scientific understanding of health risks.

Despite being banned in Croatia since 2006, asbestos remains present in older buildings and infrastructure. It continues to pose risks in sectors such as construction, renovation, mining, waste management and firefighting.

According to European data, asbestos is the leading cause of work-related cancers, accounting for approximately 78% of such cases across EU member states.

Inhalation of asbestos fibres can lead to serious diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma, often appearing decades after exposure.

To align with the directive, Croatia has expanded the list of occupational diseases linked to asbestos exposure. Newly recognised conditions now include ovarian cancer and cancers of the digestive system.

This change aims to improve early diagnosis and ensure better recognition of long-term health consequences for affected workers.

The new legislation places increased responsibility on employers. Before undertaking any work involving asbestos, employers must:

• Conduct a detailed risk assessment

• Prepare removal and safety plans

• Ensure proper waste management procedures

• Notify relevant authorities

Workers must also undergo specialised training, including the use of personal protective equipment.

Where exposure cannot be avoided, respiratory protection is mandatory, though its use must be limited in duration, with regular breaks required.

While larger companies and specialised firms have already begun adapting to the new requirements, smaller employers may face challenges in meeting the stricter standards.

Experts warn that the success of the new rules will depend on effective enforcement, improved inspection capacity and ongoing worker education.

Comparisons with countries such as Germany and the Netherlands highlight the need for more comprehensive systems in Croatia, including asbestos registers and long-term removal strategies.

Data from the Croatian Institute of Public Health shows that between 2009 and 2025, a total of 1,830 occupational diseases linked to asbestos exposure were officially recognised.

Authorities stress that many workers still underestimate the risks, particularly when failing to use protective equipment.

The new framework reflects a broader shift towards prevention and early recognition of occupational diseases. While the legal changes represent a significant step, officials emphasise that real progress will depend on consistent implementation.