New rules to protect workers against exposure to dangerous chemicals are likely to be passed into law in October, following agreement by the EU Council and Parliament. The changes will set new limits on chemicals used in battery, steel, chemical and textile industries, as well as clarifying protective equipment rules.

Ruth Prickett graduated from Cambridge University with a BA hons in History and has specialized in business and finance journalism for the past 20 years. She was editor of Financial Management, the magazine...