Get sun protection promoted now! The protection professionals at Allprotec® provide information on the requirements and information for occupational health and safety premiums from 24.05.2022. As part of BG BAU's occupational health and safety premiums, individual measures are promoted to help employees regulate their body temperature in summer temperatures and prevent damage to their health caused by the sun. The current measures include functional shirts with UV protection, UV high-visibility shirts, additional equipment for safety helmets such as neck scarves and glare rings, cooling vests, cooling helmet inserts, headgear and sunglasses.
Working in hot temperatures can be challenging in the workplace, and while there is no general right to heat-free, the employer has a duty of care to its employees. This is especially true for pregnant women, older employees, and those who work outdoors. According to the Workplace Ordinance, air temperatures in work and social rooms should not exceed 26 °C. If they do, suitable sun protection systems are required.
Only when the room temperature exceeds 30 °C is the employer obliged to take measures to relieve the employees. At temperatures above 35 °C, the room is unsuitable as a workplace unless protective measures such as air showers or cooling phases are taken. The employer's duty of care for the safety and health of employees is also anchored in the German Civil Code.
The employer's duty of care also applies to outdoor work, such as horticulture, construction or roofing. This includes adequate breaks and the provision of water. In the worst case, negligent homicide can be charged, as shown by a case in Baden-Württemberg in which a farmer was charged with the death of a harvest worker due to heat stress. Although the case was ultimately dropped, this case illustrates the importance of employer responsibility for the safety and health of employees.
Especially when working outdoors, high temperatures or extreme weather conditions can quickly lead to health problems. It is therefore the employer's responsibility to take appropriate precautions, such as providing sun protection or weatherproof clothing, as well as sufficient breaks and drinking water. Training to detect heat or cold stress can also help ensure that employees are alerted to potential hazards at an early stage. A good working environment not only promotes the well-being of employees, but can also have a positive effect on their performance. Companies should therefore not only fulfill their duty, but actively work to create a pleasant working environment for all employees, regardless of whether they work indoors or outdoors.
To make the working day more pleasant, here are some useful tips:
- Drink enough water: At least 1.5 liters per day, preferably more to keep the body hydrated.
- Eat light meals: Heavy meals put a strain on the circulation, so easily digestible foods are recommended.
- Wear light and airy clothing: Light colours reflect the sun and airy clothing prevents heat build-up in the body. Well-ventilated shoes such as sandals increase well-being.
- Wear sunglasses: When working outdoors, sunglasses protect to prevent eye damage from UV rays.
- Wear headgear: A helmet with neck protection or a cap protects against harmful UV light and reduces the risk of skin diseases.
- Dip your feet in cold water: A small tub of cold water can provide refreshment in the office.
- Hold your hands under cold water: This refreshes and gets the circulation going.
Avoid heavy physical work: Work with restraint during the hot hours of the day and interrupt them with short periods of rest. - Take several short breaks: Take a short break every ten minutes or so and possibly spend it in cooler areas or do light activities.
- Limit physical activity on hot days: Exercise is important, but it is best done in the cooler morning or evening hours.
It's also important to pay attention to proper sun protection, especially for those who work outdoors, such as construction workers or gardeners.
In summary: It is essential that employers take the dangers of sun exposure seriously and provide their employees with appropriate sun protection. These include, for example, wearing sunscreen with a sufficient sun protection factor, wearing hats or peaked caps, and setting up parasols or tents in outdoor workplaces. It is also important to educate employees about the risks of sunburn and skin cancer and to encourage them to regularly check their skin and have suspicious changes medically clarified.
Ultimately, it is the employer's responsibility to ensure that their employees can work safely even in extreme temperatures. Complying with the legal regulations on occupational health and safety, as well as taking additional measures to support employees, are important steps to ensure their health and safety. By fulfilling their duty of care and taking appropriate action, employers can help keep their employees cool even in Saharan temperatures.