Summer arrives and the sun is shining from the sky. The sun in particular poses many dangers when working outdoors that are not so obvious at first glance. For people who work outdoors, the right sun protection should be of great importance and represents an important part of occupational safety. Our valuable tips on occupational safety outdoors are also helpful for working in the garden, for example.
Sun protection is occupational safety
Especially in summer, countless handicraft activities are carried out outdoors. Craftsmen, gardeners and construction workers spend a large part of their working time outdoors under the bright sun. The classic image of the construction worker who carries the stones on the construction site with his torso bare, sweating, has long been outdated. This is because exposure to the sun exposes hard-working people to high levels of UV radiation (invisible ultraviolet radiation), which can cause considerable health risks. This is why sun protection is a particularly important occupational health and safety issue. Construction and craft businesses, like all companies, have a duty of care towards their employees and must accordingly also implement measures for effective sun protection. (Occupational Protection Act (§4, §5, §11 §12), Workplace Ordinance (§3, Annex 5.1), Accident Prevention Regulations "Principles of Prevention" BGV A1 (§ 23)).
Sun protection is health protection
Why sun protection is also health protection for these occupational groups in particular becomes clear when we look at the risks of intense sunlight. The sun's UV radiation can cause some health damage, but heat and light intensity can also damage the body.
- Sunburn (up to intense burns)
- Increased risk of skin cancer
- Increased skin aging
- Conjunctivitis
- Increased risk of cataracts
- Weakening of the immune system
- Heat Fever / Heat Shock
Every sunburn has been proven to increase the risk of skin cancer. According to German Cancer Aid, at least 230,000 new cases of skin cancer are registered every year. To put a stop to this rising "trend", here are some important tips on how to work outdoors properly.
UV index and UV exposure
If you want to know what UV risk there is on the construction site, the employer can use a risk assessment according to the so-called UV index. The current UV index can be found on the Internet for Lower Saxony, e.g. on the website of the Lower Saxony Ministry for the Environment, Energy, Building and Climate Protection. >> LEARN MORE <<
It is important to understand that the higher the UV index, the more dangerous the sun's rays are. From a UV index of 3, suitable protection measures must be introduced, but sufficient protection is also important below this.
Active sun protection – tips for implementation
The easiest way to protect yourself from the sun is to avoid it. Of course, this is not feasible on an outdoor construction site or for gardening and tree work. Therefore, here are some important tips for effective sun protection, which are also good to use for private individuals.
Sun protection tips:
- If possible, avoid the midday sun (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
- Use canopies and shelters
- Set up airy shady places & use them for breaks
- Adapt working hours and intensity to the weather
- Body and head covering is mandatory (long trousers, long-sleeved shirts, etc.)
- Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30
- Wear sunglasses with CE marking (filter category 2 or 3)
- Drink enough water / at least 2 litres, more if you work hard
- Plan enough breaks
- Wear clothing with UV protection (long pants, long-sleeved shirts, etc.)
The protection professionals will take up further important information on working outdoors and on construction sites in the next articles on safe working in the sun. But we are also always happy to receive tips and feedback from our readers.