Abroad|12/05/25

GERMANY: outdoor workers exposed to specific occupational risks

Home > The news of EUROGIP and occupational risks in Europe > GERMANY: outdoor workers exposed to specific occupational risks

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.

To find out more

Discover other news

Community news

08/10/25

Healthy Workplaces Good Practice Awards 2025

This competition recognizes innovative and sustainable approaches to occupational risk prevention across Europe. This year, the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) is awarding prizes for the introduction of digital systems in the workplace.

News

23/09/25

PSR prevention: next EUROGIP report announced in Marseille

At the end of September, EUROGIP was invited by Carsat Sud-Est to present an overview of mental health in the workplace abroad. On this occasion, Anna Piazza, researcher at EUROGIP, revealed some details of her upcoming report on the prevention of psychosocial risks (PSR) in the workplace in Europe and internationally.