Protect yourself from UV radiation
As beautiful as sunny days are, the strong sunlight can harm your health. Especially the UV radiation emitted by the sun is very harmful for our skin and eyes.
Every year, about 1000 people fall ill at work from Skin cancer. If you regularly work outdoors, it is essential that you protect yourself from UV rays. Your employer must provide you with the necessary UV protection. At the beginning of summer (from 21 June), UV radiation is at its highest. Already in spring, the UV rays become so intense that an effective Skin protection is necessary. Even when it is still cool and when there is light cloud cover. In midsummer (June and July) UV radiation is most dangerous. Then you need additional protection on sunny days and also on slightly cloudy days. The head, ears and neck are most at risk. Therefore, wear a hat with a visor on the forehead and a neck guard.
Facts
- Two thirds of the harmful UV radiation hits the earth's surface between 11:00 and 15:00.
- In the mountains, UV radiation is stronger than in the lowlands.
- UV radiation becomes even more intense on light-colored or metal surfaces (e.g. roof surfaces), on water, in snow or sand.
What the employer needs to know
The employer must take the necessary protective measures against the harmful effects of UV radiation (Art. 5 VUV). This also includes the delivery of Sunscreen. It is equally important that your employees protect themselves from the dangerous UV rays when working in the sun (Art. 82 UVG). This includes the use of sunscreen and, in June and July, suitable headgear (helmet or cap) with a head shield and neck protection.
Heat
During the great heat of midsummer, the body is particularly stressed. It becomes even more intense in high humidity. People who perform heavy physical work suffer from these strains. And further: Meet due to the Heat Warnings of Meteo Schweiz for your employees the appropriate measures.
In case of high heat load (from danger level 3):
- If possible, move the work to the early morning hours and the morning.
- Drink plenty and frequently: at least ½ liter per hour (sodium-containing mineral water, juices, tea, soups). Not drinking anything in the heat is life-threatening!
- Don't work alone so colleagues can recognize and respond to signs of a heat problem.
- Always look for the shade
Ozone
Ozone is formed during intense solar radiation, predominantly in early summer and in summer. The daily maximum values are reached in the late afternoon hours (approx. 16.00 to 18.00 o'clock). High ozone levels can cause burning eyes, irritation of the throat and pharynx, shortness of breath, and headaches. Heavy physical work outdoors should be moved to the morning hours on ozone-prone summer days.
Professionals protect themselves from harmful rays of the sun
Specialists from Suva wanted to know from workers if they would wear a hat with a head shield and neck protection against dangerous UV radiation. At the beginning there were doubts that it is useful. Some said it looked funny and it was hot under the hat. After a trial period with the hat, the same people were asked. They said it actually does help. The hat with forehead shield and neck guard protects from the sun. The face is in the shade. The head remains cool.
Testimonials from workers who do their jobs outdoors
Landscaper: "This hat with neck protection is very comfortable. It is not tight and is easy to wear. It gives nice shade."
Landscaper: "The hat covers the light part of the sky. I find that comfortable. You don't have the sun right in your face that way."
More info: www.suva.ch
Checklists:
Working outdoors on construction sites on hot days. Hazard identification and action planning.
Strong protection is also needed at work.
Occupational ultraviolet exposure and skin cancer
More tips and checklists from Suva are available here
Tips for the Sun protection from the FOPH
