Portugal
Protection of employees from the risks related to exposure to asbestos
Impact date: 1 June 2026
Portugal has implemented Directive (EU) 2023/2668 through Decree-Law No. 109/2026 of 29 May, strengthening the rules designed to protect workers from exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The legislation lowers the maximum permitted occupational exposure level to 0.01 fibers/cm³ and reinforces the principle that asbestos should, wherever reasonably possible, be removed rather than managed in place when there is a risk of worker exposure.
The new rules also extend certain protection, prevention and health surveillance obligations to workers who may be indirectly or passively exposed to asbestos, rather than only those carrying out activities involving direct exposure. In addition, if the legal exposure limit is exceeded, work must be stopped immediately until the cause has been identified, corrective measures have been taken and exposure levels have been re-measured and brought back within the legal limit.
Employer implications/action needed Employers whose activities involve asbestos or asbestos-containing materials should review risk assessments, monitoring procedures and occupational health programmes to ensure compliance with the new exposure limit and enhanced worker protection requirements. Existing health and safety procedures should be updated to reflect the requirement to stop work where exposure limits are exceeded.
Employer risk Failure to comply may constitute a serious or very serious labour offence under Portuguese health and safety legislation, potentially resulting in regulatory sanctions and increased liability for workplace health risks.
Working time for employees engaged in road transport activities
Impact date: 12 July 2026
A new law introduces significant amendments to the legal framework governing road transport employees, namely in the following areas:
- coordination, control and enforcement: the law reinforces the powers of public authorities responsible for supervision and inspection in the road transport sector, clarifies responsibilities for monitoring compliance, expands inspection powers and introduces more robust enforcement mechanisms
- installation and use of tachographs: the law updates the requirements, reflecting developments in digital and smart tachograph technology, and strengthens obligations on employers and drivers regarding the correct use, data recording and retention, and cooperation with inspection authorities.
- organization of working time: the law revises rules governing the organization of working time for road transport employees, including driving time, breaks, daily and weekly rest periods, and record keeping obligations.
Employer implications/action needed Employers in the road transport sector must ensure compliance with the new rules on the installation and use of tachographs, as well as the organization of working time.
Employer risk Failure to comply with these rules may result in the imposition of penalties.
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