IG BAU urges sun‑heat protection for outdoor workers across Germany

The German construction union IG BAU is promoting a uniform “WSS” rule – water, sunscreen and shade – for employees who work outdoors in the summer heat. The union advises using sunscreen with SPF 50, re‑applying every two hours, wearing protective clothing and breathable helmets with neck protection, and drinking three to five litres of water, ideally a full glass every 15–20 minutes. Employers are urged to provide a “drink‑flat‑rate”, arrange regular shaded breaks and shift work to cooler early‑morning or evening hours. IG BAU also recommends an annual skin‑cancer check for outdoor workers. The campaign is being rolled out in numerous districts, including Celle, Heinsberg, Neuburg‑Schrobenhausen, Halle (Saale), Mainfranken, Nordhessen, Lübeck and Kaiserslautern, among others. A related workplace‑health article highlights broader heat‑wave measures such as providing chilled drinking water, ventilation, sun‑shades and flexible working times to protect staff in offices, factories and construction sites.