Open HSI menu
Subscribe Login

Home / Articles and Press Releases / Press Release / In Good Weather: Protection Against UV Radiation

CATEGORIES

  • Latest Issue
  • Above The Neck Protection
  • Chemical Protection
  • Confined Space
  • Construction
  • Emergency Procedures
  • Energy, Oil and Mining Industries
  • Eye Protection
  • Fall Protection
  • Gas Detection
  • Hand Protection
  • Hazardous and Explosive Atmospheres
  • Health and Safety Awareness
  • Hearing Protection
  • Heat and Flame
  • Lighting and ATEX
  • Noise Monitoring
  • Personal Protective Equipment
  • Respiratory Protection
  • Safety Footwear
  • Safety Technology
  • Safety Training
  • Slips, Trips and Falls
  • Wellbeing at Work
  • Working at Height
  • Working Rights

MORE

  • Press Releases
  • Events
  • Videos
  • Webinars
  • Magazines

COMPANY

  • About
  • Advertising
  • Newsletter
  • Contact
Open HSI menu
Subscribe

Home / Articles and Press Releases / Press Release / In Good Weather: Protection Against UV Radiation

CATEGORIES

  • Latest Issue
  • Above The Neck Protection
  • Chemical Protection
  • Confined Space
  • Construction
  • Emergency Procedures
  • Energy, Oil and Mining Industries
  • Eye Protection
  • Fall Protection
  • Gas Detection
  • Hand Protection
  • Hazardous and Explosive Atmospheres
  • Health and Safety Awareness
  • Hearing Protection
  • Heat and Flame
  • Lighting and ATEX
  • Noise Monitoring
  • Personal Protective Equipment
  • Respiratory Protection
  • Safety Footwear
  • Safety Technology
  • Safety Training
  • Slips, Trips and Falls
  • Wellbeing at Work
  • Working at Height
  • Working Rights

MORE

  • Press Releases
  • Events
  • Videos
  • Webinars
  • Magazines

COMPANY

  • About
  • Advertising
  • Newsletter
  • Contact

CATEGORIES

  • Article
  • Press Release
  • Above The Neck Protection
  • Chemical Protection
  • Confined Space
  • Construction
  • Emergency Procedures
  • Energy, Oil and Mining Industries
  • Eye Protection
  • Fall Protection
  • Gas Detection
  • Hand Protection
  • Hazardous and Explosive Atmospheres
  • Health and Safety Awareness
  • Hearing Protection
  • Heat and Flame
  • Lighting and ATEX
  • Noise Monitoring
  • Personal Protective Equipment
  • Respiratory Protection
  • Safety Footwear
  • Safety Technology
  • Safety Training
  • Slips, Trips and Falls
  • Wellbeing at Work
  • White Papers
  • Working at Height
  • Working Rights

Press Release

In Good Weather: Protection Against UV Radiation

By BAUA: Federal Institution of Occupational Health and Safety

| Read Bio

Published: July 12th, 2017

Share this article

The natural UV radiation from the sun is regarded to be as carcinogenic as asbestos and tobacco. Due to their work, around 2.5 million workers spend up to eight hours or longer being exposed to solar UV radiation each day. High exposure to UV radiation poses a considerable risk to dermatological health. Due to the newly defined occupational disease, prevention measures for the protection against skin cancer have gained in importance.

Even though specific legal regulations regarding the protection against solar UV radiation at the workplace are yet to have been passed, a responsible employers should nonetheless presently fulfil their responsibility for the health and safety of their employees according to the German Occupational Safety Act.

New occupational disease demands a rethink of prevention

Every year, some 240,000 people are diagnosed with skin cancer in Germany. On the basis of substantiated data, since January 2015, squamous cell carcinoma and multiple actinic keratosis of the skin due to natural UV radiation have been included in the list of recognised occupational diseases (Berufskrankheiten / BK) in Germany under reference BK 5103. This new occupational disease has put the necessity for effective preventive measures into the spotlight. The Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) has been researching the threat posed by solar UV radiation to employees who work outdoors for several years. On the basis of the results obtained during the course of several research and development projects, BAuA has made a contribution to preventive healthcare at workplaces that are exposed to solar radiation.

Research by the BAuA surrounding protective components for the reduction of solar UV exposure

In the F 2036 project BAuA completed research into “Protective components to reduce solar UV exposure at outdoor workers”. At the practical level, there has been considerable uncertainty surrounding the effectiveness, including the long term viability and acceptance, of such measures.

The UV index is very helpful in assessing the health risks posed by solar UV radiation. According to the recommendations of WHO, protective measures should be applied from a UVI value of 3 onwards. The research results demonstrated the frequency of days – in the different regions of Germany – on which the levels of solar radiation resulted in high UV index values, therefore demanding protective measures for outdoor workers. An annual calendar was derived from the data highlighting the time frames in which protective measures are recommended. The basis of this data was provided by an analysis of the measured values of the solar UV monitoring network of Germany over a time frame of 9 years. Using this data, it proved possible to develop a protective concept including minimum UV protection factors for the skin through both technical measures and personal measures, such as wearing the appropriate clothing and sunscreen.

Application of UV protection components

In general, the recommendations for protection against exposure to sunlight for outdoor workers do not differ from the protection measures for the general population. Regarding the effectiveness of solar UV radiation, comparable conditions apply across Germany. This also makes organizational, technical and individual protection measures comparable throughout Germany. For assessing the risk of solar UV radiation, UV index prognoses are helpful for work planning. Wherever possible and practicable, protective measures should be implemented at the workplace. Prevention against solar UV exposure at work must be complemented by individual protective components. In Germany and Central Europe, the textile UV protection of typical outerwear is sufficient.

However, special occupational UV protective clothing is recommended for work stays in equatorial regions. Head covers like hats and caps show clear differences in effectiveness, in particular for the protection of the skin in the cheek, ear and neck area. Standard safety helmets offer a certain protection for the skin and eyes only in the forehead area. Helmets with a surrounding protective edge with a sufficient width would offer a good protection for the neck and ears. Individual UV protection components, H. The wearing of upper body clothing, trousers, headgear and sunglasses are efficient. Individual UV protection components do not have to be expensive. They are only effective when used consistently!

Share this article

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

BAUA: Federal Institution of Occupational Health and Safety

The Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) is led by its president, Isabel Rothe, who is responsible for the scientific divisions “Policy Issues and Programmes”, “Products and Work Systems”, “Work and Health” and “Hazardous Substances and Biological Agents”. Also established as a division of the BAuA is the “Federal Office for Chemicals”, which focuses on sovereign tasks under the ambit of chemicals legislation. The sixth division is responsible for transfer management, while the Central Division ensures the BAuA’s effective administration. The DASA Working World Exhibition performs a special role by providing its services to a wide audience.

Visit Website

POPULAR POSTS BY BAUA: Federal Institution of Occupational Health and Safety

Istock 838938438 0 190 1193 2121 - hsi -

Press Release

Include Workplace Regulations Early in Construction

Bundesanstalt für arbeitsschutz und arbeitsmedizin logo 0 0 1280 1280 - hsi -

Press Release

Detect and Handle Hazardous Substances

Bundesanstalt für arbeitsschutz und arbeitsmedizin logo 0 0 600 900 - hsi -

Press Release

Protect Employees From Hazardous Substances

Baua logo 0 0 900 900 - hsi -

Press Release

Aktuell 03/17: Physical factors in the workplace

Istock 639679800 0 0 2173 3863 - hsi -

Press Release

Significantly more occupational diseases recognized

Istock 868288392 0 234 2174 3865 - hsi -

Press Release

Occupational Safety Specialists Require Many Skills

Get email updates

Sign up for the HSI newsletter

Keep up-to-date through the power of email with Europe's largest audited safety magazine - delivering the latest news and products to satisfy all your occupational safety needs.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

FEATURED ARTICLES

Article

 Thameslink Traffic Management Programme

Press Release

‘Working At Height’ Remains Biggest Danger

Press Release

“Uncertainty and Ignorance” Risks More Asbestos Deaths

Advertisement

SOCIAL MEDIA

HSI on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/HSIMagazine/

Advertisement

SOCIAL MEDIA

HSI on Twitter

AvatarHSI Magazine@HSIMagazine·
24 Jun

🥾 Did you spot @ELTENGmbH featured on the inside front cover of June's issue?

Visit HSI's website and subscribe today, from as little as £30 a year, to receive your digital or print magazine!
https://www.hsimagazine.com/subscribe/

#hsimagazine #ELTEN #safetyfootwear #magazine #subscribe

Reply on Twitter 1540303734902730756Retweet on Twitter 1540303734902730756Like on Twitter 15403037349027307561Twitter 1540303734902730756

Advertisement

SUBSCRIBE

Stay up to date with our newsletter

    • Keep up-to-date with Europe’s largest audited safety magazine

 

    • Delivering the latest news and products to satisfy all your occupational safety needs

 

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Subscribe

SUBSCRIBE TO HSI MAGAZINE

5 reasons to subscribe to our digital and print package

  • Stay up to date from anywhere in the world, with instant access to the latest issue straight from your phone, tablet or laptop.
  • Trust that you’re getting the best content from our range of internationally accredited authors.
  • Get full access to our archives and see how occupational safety has evolved with us over the years.
  • Enjoy our monthly newsletter curated with up-to-the-minute news and a selection of editor’s top picks.
  • Hot off the press and straight to your door – look forward to your own glossy copy of HSI, delivered five times a year
Subscribe View Subscription levels

STAY SAFE & INFORMED

Subscribe to the best health & safety articles, news, products and regulations

Find out more

Stay up to date with our newsletter

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

ABOUT

  • About HSI International
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us

YOUR ACCOUNT

Sign In Register Account Subscribe to HSI

RESOURCES

Request Media Pack

CONNECT

ACCREDITATIONS

Copyright Bay Publishing 2022. All Rights reserved.

Designed & Built by:
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT