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In Germany, almost one in five people work outdoors. A recent survey by the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) sheds light on the specific nature of these jobs, the health risks involved and the preventive measures implemented by employers.
Mostly employed in agriculture, construction or grounds maintenance, outdoor workers are predominantly men (72%), 91% of whom work full-time. Unlike their indoor counterparts, they are exposed to numerous environmental factors:
- 47% report regular exposure to cold, heat, humidity or draughts (versus 9% of indoor workers);
- 30% are often exposed to oil, grease and dirt (versus 10%);
- 15% report frequent exposure to smoke, gases, dust and fumes (versus 7%).
In addition to these environmental constraints, this group of workers is often more physically demanding, a factor that can lead to a variety of health problems.
According to the survey, 35% of outdoor workers report musculoskeletal disorders, such as lower back, leg or arm pain – 8% more than indoor workers. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of psychological disorders (general fatigue, weariness, exhaustion, headaches).
Among specific risks, particular attention is paid to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays and the skin cancer that can result. Every year, many cases of “skin cancer due to UV radiation” are recognized as occupational illnesses in Germany. Yet only 20% of those surveyed said they had been offered skin cancer screening by their employer. This offer is even rarer for women (12%) and less frequent in small companies (28%). Despite these limitations, 73% of those who received a screening offer actually underwent a medical skin examination.
