UK businesses need to be aware of the many changes being introduced by the European Union. Examples include:

• Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals (REACH).

Under these proposals, businesses that manufacture or import more than one tonne of a chemical substance per year would need to register it in a central database.

• Directive on the Physical Agents introduces new Noise at Work Regulations.

These regulations require businesses to conduct noise assessments, record the results and take measures to protect employees exposed to noise above 80 decibels. Leisure industry businesses such as pubs and clubs are now within the scope of the legislation.

• Waste, Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive.

Requirements and obligations on producers and distributors of electrical and electronic equipment came into force on 1st April 2007.

• Environmental Liability Directive (ELD).

Companies will be liable to meet the cost of restoring bio diversity and natural habitats where they are found to have caused environmental damage. The directive establishes a new baseline for liability under the principle of the ‘polluter pays’.