Sunburn – Not only a free time phenomenon

When working in the sun UV protection is key Source: BAuA, Uwe Völkner Fox

Summertime is sunshine time – while many people look forward to relaxing and free time in fresh air, that also means for about 2.5 million people in Germany: Being forced to spend several hours per day in the blazing sun, partly under physically demanding conditions.

Gardeners, masons or roofers have no choice as to whether they spend the summer in the shade or in the sun. A study of the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) has shown that for workers in these sections exposure to the sun is significantly higher than is good for them: Part of them are exposed to three to five times more UV radiation than white collar workers.

UV index and UV forecast

It is scientifically proven that the risk of getting skin cancer is enhanced by, among others, sunburns and too high exposure to UV radiation. Offers such as the forecast of the UV index published by the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS), are to help plan the daily routine with the sun in a better way. The UV index is a worldwide unique measure for the daily peak value of the sunburn-effective UV radiation.

The UV forecast, which can be obtained via a newsletter on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, covers all weekdays. With an UV index 3, UV protection measures need to be taken, from UV index 8 they must be taken by all means. The higher the value, the greater the risk of getting sunburn.

Assessment basis for employers

Especially for employers, the UV index provides an important assessment basis: "Pursuant to Working Conditions Act, the employer is obliged to carry out a risk assessment and, if necessary, to plan, implement and document appropriate protective measures for the employees," Günter Ott of BAuA says. Furthermore, certain skin diseases caused by UV radiation have been recognised as occupational diseases since January 2015: According to the Ordinance, these include the squamous cell carcinoma, a special type of light skin cancer, and actinic keratosis.

"Whether one stays a lot in the open when working outside or wants to enjoy the sunshine in their free time: Employers and citizens alike can actively protect their health by catching up on the UV index and taking precautions. The offer on UV forecasts on the internet and by newsletter finds increasingly good resonance," BfS member Ina Stelljes says. Since springtime, the number of newsletter subscribers has more than quadrupled. The objective of the BfS and the BAuA is to increase awareness about the risks of UV radiation, also at work.

More information

You can subscribe to the newsletter on the BfS website at www.bfs.de/uv-newsletter
There you will also find comprehensive information about the topic UV radiation.

The BAuA provides information about occupational UV protection in their brochure "Light and Shadow". The baua contains more information in a more compact form: Focus "Protection from solar UV radiation – A selection of preventive measures". Both texts are available on the BAuA homepage www.baua.de/publikationen.