Working in the sun: Recognizing strain and responding correctly
- May 5
- 2 min read
Working outdoors is part of construction work. Especially in spring and summer, this means plenty of light, warm temperatures, and long days. What matters is not just the heat, but the combination of UV radiation, physical strain, and the lack of shaded areas. These factors act at the same time – and are often underestimated.
Multiple strain on construction sites
Construction sites are rarely protected working environments. Open areas, bright materials, and reflective surfaces increase the effects of the sun. This leads to several types of strain at the same time: UV radiation affects the skin and eyes, heat puts stress on the circulation, and glare can impair visibility and reaction time. Especially during physical work, this combination can quickly lead to overexertion.
UV radiation: Invisible but relevant
The UV Index is an internationally standardized value that indicates how intense the health-relevant UV radiation from the sun is at the Earth’s surface. It primarily considers those parts of radiation that can damage the skin and eyes. The UV Index therefore does not simply describe “sunshine,” but specifically the risk caused by UV radiation. The scale starts at 0 and is open-ended. The higher the value, the greater the strain and the more important protective measures become.
0 - 2 | low | No special protective measures required. |
3 - 5 | moderate | Protection recommended for longer periods in the sun, especially for sensitive skin types. |
6 - 7 | high | Protective measures required. |
8 - 10 | very high | Protective measures essential, avoid direct sunlight around midday. |
über 10 | extreme | Protective measures essential, avoid direct sunlight around midday |
Good to know
The UV Index is measured and published in Austria on behalf of the federal government. You can check current values at any time via the official sources. The most important value is always the highest measured or forecast value of the day, as it represents the maximum level of exposure.
As a rule of thumb:The sun protection factor (SPF) of sunscreen should be at least twice as high as the UV Index.
Was heißt das jetzt für den Arbeitsalltag?
The UV Index helps you better assess your behavior when working outdoors. At higher values, you should pay particular attention to protection:
Avoid direct sunlight, especially around midday
Cover your body, for example with suitable work clothing and head protection
Protect your eyes with sunglasses or safety glasses with UV protection
Use sunscreen and reapply regularly
Take regular breaks, especially during longer exposure
