Sun protection in the Wartburg district: employer as a duty!

Sun protection in the Wartburg district: employer as a duty!

The sun burns, the temperatures rise and summer time attracts many people outside - especially those who work in the open air in professions. In the Wartburg district there is now a special call from the industrial union Builden-Agrar-Umwelt (IG Bau) for a "summer protection mode". This is aimed at employers who are supposed to develop a comprehensive plan for solar work protection for their employees.

Ralf Eckardt from IG Bau Thuringia emphasizes the urgency of the measure: "Sun protection is essential!" Particularly endangered professional groups such as construction workers, roofers, gardeners and landscapers and harvesters are required to improve their working conditions. Employers are asked to offer a water and sunscreen flat rate to ensure that their employees can drink enough and apply cream.

important measures for sun protection

A clear plan for sun protection is essential. The union has thrown some important points into the race in this regard. Regular drinking breaks are essential; A full glass of water or cold tea should be available every 15 to 20 minutes. In addition, applying sunscreen with a high sun protection factor, ideally SPF 50+, is necessary, whereby a post -cream is recommended every two hours.

But not just sunscreen and water play a role. Also protects the right clothing. For example, UV-blocking clothing is important, as is air-permeable construction worker helmets with neck protection. Sunglasses should be part of the "UV work protection clothing". The targeted stay in the shadow during the most dangerous hours of sunshine between 12 and 2 p.m. can also avoid serious health consequences.

Understand health risks

The dangers of UV radiation are varied. They range from sunburn to eye damage and heat slaughter to serious diseases such as skin cancer. According to the German statutory accident insurance (DGUV), it is crucial that employers involve suitable protective measures in their risk assessment, especially for employees who are exposed to more than 15 minutes of direct sun. Technical-organizational measures should be implemented in combination with personal protection.

The prevention principle that includes technical, organizational and personal measures is the basis of every security strategy. Shading and shady places for breaks are important technical measures, while organizational precautions such as avoiding longer stays in strong sunlight are considered urgent between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

The BGW emit clear recommendations: activities should be shifted to the cooler morning hours and regular breaks should be adhere to. In addition, the experts advise you to provide suitable material such as suitable protective clothing and ensure that the staff is familiar with sun and skin-protecting products.

Health risks due to UV radiation and the increase in sun days as a result of climate change increase the exposure of employees. An increase in skin cancer in the past 20 years has been alarming and requires quick action and comprehensive protective measures. The health of the employees should always come first, and the companies are required to contribute their part.

Information about UV radiation and protective measures are on the portals of the DGUV BGW available. Employers are well advised to observe the legal requirements and to inform themselves comprehensively in order not only to ensure occupational safety, but also to secure the well -being of their employees in the long term.

It is all the more important that companies in the Wartburg district and beyond become active in order to follow the recommendations of IG Bau. A well -implemented strategy not only represents a legal obligation, but also protects the most valuable resource of a company: its employees.