Setting‐based skin cancer prevention at the workplace: A survey among German outdoor workers

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundOutdoor workers are at increased risk of developing skin cancer. Setting‐based prevention at the workplace can reduce the UV exposure of outdoor workers through appropriate technical or organizational measures. We explored the implementation of setting‐based UV protection at the workplace in Germany from the perspective of outdoor workers.MethodsA Germany‐wide sample of 319 outdoor workers from different employment sectors (64.3% male) was surveyed via telephone on different technical and organizational measures for UV protection at the workplace. Bivariate analyses were performed to explore associations with job‐related characteristics.ResultsIn general, 28.0% were rarely or never provided with a place in the shade during working hours, and 27.4% rarely or never provided with a shaded place during breaks. One‐third had rarely or never the opportunity to work in the shade on hot summer days. Overall, 51.9% reported receiving protective clothing from their employer, 45.5% were provided with headgear, and 25.1% with sunscreen. About one‐third had often or always the option of starting work earlier in the morning on hot summer days to work less in the sun, while 18.6% had to work overtime on such days. One‐third (35.4%) had been educated at work about risks of solar radiation and sun protection measures.ConclusionsOur study is among the first to present findings on the implementation of different setting‐based UV protection measures at the workplace and provides starting points for employers and policy makers to improve UV protection at the workplace.