UV exposure and skin cancer risks rise for outdoor workers

Rising UV exposure, driven by climate change and shifting weather patterns, is increasing the risk of occupational skin cancer. In Germany, skin cancer caused by UV radiation is the second most frequently reported occupational disease, with over 3,000 suspected cases recorded in 2024.

Experts, including Professor Swen-Malte John of the Lower Saxony Institute for Occupational Dermatology, highlight that changing climatic conditions are increasing UV exposure across many European regions, including northern and central Europe. This poses a significant cumulative risk for outdoor workers, such as construction and road workers, who face extreme temperatures on surfaces like asphalt and roof tiles.

To combat these risks, manufacturers like Strauss are developing specialized personal protective equipment (PPE). New product lines focus on combining high-visibility safety colors with certified UV protection (UPF 50) and breathable, heat-regulating fabrics to manage both radiation and heat stress on job sites. Medical professionals are calling for improved screening structures and closer cooperation between dermatology and oncology to address this growing public health challenge.