Sun Protection Better Than Skin Cancer, Slovenia Urges Workers

Workers who spend their days outdoors face a serious health threat from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Skin cancer, the most common cancer in humans, is largely preventable, yet many outdoor workers in Slovenia and across the EU receive several times the recommended UV dosage.

In Slovenia, approximately 5,500 people are diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer each year, and about 800 more develop melanoma. The country's Law on Safety and Health at Work mandates that employers address this risk, not just recommend precautions. This includes integrating sun protection into risk assessments, preventive measures, training, and health promotion programs.

Outdoor workers like roofers, construction workers, gardeners, agricultural laborers, and even those in tourism and security roles are particularly vulnerable. According to the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA), over 20% of EU workers are regularly exposed to solar UV radiation, with many lacking adequate protection.

Effective prevention involves a combination of strategies. Employers should consider adjusting work hours to limit exposure between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., organizing work in shaded areas, and scheduling strenuous tasks for cooler morning hours with frequent breaks. Providing workers with lightweight, loose-fitting clothing made of tightly woven fabric, ideally with UV protection (UPF), and wide-brimmed hats is also crucial.