BG ETEM – trade association for energy, textiles and electrical media products
Cologne (ots)
As early as April, the sun’s UV radiation can be so intense that there is a risk of skin and eye damage. High temperatures also put a strain on the circulatory system. What needs to be done now is described by the professional association for energy, textiles, electronics and media products (BG ETEM) in the current issue of their magazine “etem”.
When the sun is shining and the temperatures are rising, that’s a nice thing to do after the dark winter months. However, too much sun and heat can be harmful – especially when people work outdoors.
Companies are required to assess the relevant hazards and take action. Technical and organizational measures have priority over personal protective measures. The important thing is that the measures are only effective if employees pull together.
Technical Aids
- Equip work areas with umbrellas, awnings or tents.
- Provide shelter for breaks in the shade.
- Equip construction machines with air conditioning systems.
work organization
- Inform employees about the dangers of UV radiation and the possibility of predicting UV radiation that causes sunburn (UV index), for example through apps.
- Do as much as possible in the shade or indoors.
- If possible, do not work outdoors in the middle of the day, rather early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
- If you work outdoors for a long time, arrange for shift changes.
- Offer employees with intensive exposure to natural UV radiation (e.g. regularly more than an hour when the sun is high in the sky) preventive occupational medicine.
Clothing
- Provide body-covering clothing made of cooling materials.
- Have suitable headgear with neck and ear protection or wide-brimmed hats ready and ensure that employees wear them.
- Protect your eyes with sun glasses or have sunglasses handy.
Further measures
- Provide sufficient drinks (especially water).
- Use UV protection for uncovered parts of the body (face, hands) with a high sun protection factor (SPF) – at least SPF 30, preferably SPF 50+
- Arrange first aid in case of heat stroke.
More information
If you want to know more, you will find additional information and further links in the “etem” web magazine.
BG ETEM also offers a short brochure on working outdoors. The brochure is entitled “Skin protection for outdoor activities” (order number T020) and can be obtained from www.bgetem.de be ordered or downloaded free of charge, Webcode: M18652136.
Background BG ETEM
The BG ETEM is the statutory accident insurance for 4.3 million employees in a good 224,000 member companies. It takes care of occupational safety and health protection in the member companies as well as rehabilitation and compensation for work accidents and occupational diseases. On behalf of its member companies, the BG ETEM assumes liability for the health consequences of work accidents and occupational diseases towards the employees and also releases them from liability among themselves.
Press contact:
Christian Sprotte
press secretary
Telephone: +49 221 3778-5521 (switchboard: – 0)
Fax: +49 221 3778-25521
Mobil: +49 175 260 73 90
E-Mail: [email protected]
Employers’ liability insurance association for energy, textiles and electrical media products
head office
Gustav-Heinemann-Ufer 130
50968 Köln
Original content from: BG ETEM – trade association for energy, textiles and electrical media products, transmitted by news aktuell