UV protection for outdoor employees

UV protection for employees outdoors: duties & measures

The warm months not only bring pleasant temperatures, but also increased UV exposure. For companies whose employees regularly work outdoors, this means a particular responsibility. However, many employers are not fully aware of their legal obligations and the health risks to their workforce.

The underestimated danger: UV radiation in the workplace

The sun's ultraviolet radiation is treacherous: unlike heat, it is not immediately noticeable, but its damaging effects are long-lasting. According to recent studies by the Federal Office for Radiation Protection, "white skin cancer" caused by UV radiation (actinic keratoses and squamous cell carcinomas) is one of the most common occupational diseases in Germany. For employees who regularly work outdoors, the risk of developing the disease is two to three times higher.

Numerous sectors are affected:

  • Building trade
  • Agriculture and horticulture
  • Road and track construction
  • Forestry
  • Logistics and delivery services
  • Leisure and sports facilities
  • Gastronomy (outdoor areas)

The WHO recommends taking protective measures from a UV index ≥ 3. A simplified UV level calendar was developed for Germany as part of a BAUA and BfS research project. This shows that UV exposure is highest between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. in the months of April to September - precisely when a lot of outdoor work is in full swing.

Legal obligations for employers

Many employers are not aware that they are legally obliged to do so. The Occupational Health Regulation (AMR) 13.3 obliges employers to offer occupational health check-ups to employees who regularly work outdoors during critical periods. This obligation is based on the employer's fundamental duty of care and the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

The precaution must:

  • All affected employees are actively offered
  • Taking place during working hours
  • Financed by the employer
  • Be carried out by a qualified occupational or company physician

Companies that ignore these obligations not only risk fines, but in the worst case also recourse claims from employers' liability insurance associations or health insurance companies in the event of work-related illnesses.

Implementing practical protective measures

In order to be well positioned in terms of UV protection in the long term, it is necessary to create a well thought-out package of measures that is individually tailored to the specific requirements of your business. These measures include

1. technical and organizational measures

  • Adjust working hoursIf possible, move intensive outdoor work to the early morning or late afternoon hours.
  • Create shadeInstall awnings, tents or mobile canopies for work areas and breaks.
  • Rotation of workstationsAlternate between activities outdoors and in protected areas.
  • Observe the UV indexIntegrate warnings based on the current UV index into your work planning and avoid working overtime when the UV index is very high.
  • Avoid the midday sunTry to minimize work in the direct midday sun as much as possible.

2. personal protective equipment (PPE)

  • Suitable clothingUse body-covering textiles with certified UV protection - long-sleeved, airy shirts and long pants offer optimum protection and comfort at the same time. Complemented by headgear with neck protection, the exposed skin is protected in the best possible way.
  • Eye protectionUse sunglasses with a UV filter. The requirements for sun protection filters for commercial use are specified in DIN EN 172.
  • SunscreenUse sun protection creams with a suitable sun protection factor. Care should be taken to ensure proper application (even and sufficiently thick application of 2 mg/cm²; too little application leads to a significant reduction in the sun protection factor of up to one third).

3. training and awareness-raising

The best protection only works if it is applied consistently. Invest in regular training that:

  • educate people about the long-term risks of UV radiation
  • teach the correct application of protective measures
  • address the early detection of skin changes
  • Strengthen the personal responsibility of employees

Conclusion: UV protection as an investment in the future

Implementing an effective UV protection concept may initially involve a lot of effort, but it pays off in many ways: You reduce the risk of occupational illnesses, avoid costly downtime and boost employee satisfaction at the same time. Last but not least, you position yourself as a responsible company that takes the health of its employees seriously.

We at Höppner Management & Consultant GmbH support you as experts for Occupational safety to effectively protect your employees! We will be happy to help you develop a tailor-made concept that both meets the legal requirements and is practicable in everyday working life. After all, it's ultimately about making sun protection as natural as wearing a helmet on the construction site - a routine that can save lives.

Photo by Jessica Sysengrath on Unsplash