Fighting skin cancer with UV cameras
Every year, around 25,000 people in Switzerland develop skin cancer. People who are exposed to strong UV radiation for occupational reasons are particularly at risk. Suva and the Cancer League therefore also raise awareness among people just starting out in their careers.
People who protect themselves from UV radiation during their leisure time would do well to avoid sunbathing over lunchtime, for example, and always have sun cream in their luggage. How employees can be better protected when working in the sun was answered by Suva, the Cancer League of the Canton of Zurich and the Swiss Building Envelope Association and AEZ AG at a joint media event. But how can people protect themselves better?
Employers' duty to protect
Good protection from UV radiation starts with clothing, because clothing protects not only from UV radiation, but also from the heat. Ideally, sunscreen, headgear and forehead shields should also be used. In principle, employers are obliged to equip their employees appropriately to prevent accidents and occupational illnesses. For example, the Krebsliga Zürich (Zurich Cancer League) already devotes time to learning objectives with apprentices and visits vocational schools in Zurich to educate them about skin cancer prevention.
For workers, Suva visits various construction sites in Switzerland during the summer months. Using a special UV filter and a camera, it is possible to see, for example, where skin cancers have already developed and how effective optimal UV protection should be.
Information pages of Suva:
- Information page "Sun, heat, UV rays and ozone".
- Information page "Don't blush
- Technical article "UV rays get under your skin".
- Professional article "What to do in case of sunstroke?"
Source: Suva
