Why it is so important.
Protection from the sun
On this page, you will find tips and advice on how to protect yourself from the sun and heat. Here you can also read about what to do if you, a colleague or a fellow student are not feeling well.
Important: If there is an emergency, call 112 immediately!
How to protect yourself properly.
Sun protection
If you work outdoors, you should make sure you have good sun protection at work. This is especially important from April to October because the sun is very strong during this time. The sun's rays are dangerous for the skin. They can cause diseases such as skin cancer.
Watch for changes to your skin
Too much sun can make your skin sick. That's why you should regularly check your skin for changes. Pay particular attention to the skin on your head, the back of your hands, your ears and your face. Look in the mirror and run your hands over your face.
Do you notice anything weird?
Do you have a rough spot that feels like sandpaper?
Is your skin red or scaly?
If you answer ‘yes’ to any of these questions, be sure to see a dermatologist. It could be skin cancer that needs to be treated.
How to protect yourself from the heat
These tips and measures will help you to protect yourself from the heat:
Work at the right times
Do heavy work in the morning or evening, not at lunchtime. You should avoid the hottest hours.
Take care of your body
Pay attention to how you feel. Signs such as dizziness or nausea indicate that you have been exposed to too much heat or sun. See below for more signs.
Take breaks
Take frequent short breaks. Take breaks in the shade or in a cool room.
Drink enough:
Take enough water with you for the whole day and drink enough throughout the day.
Watch out for these signs.
Circulatory problems or heatstroke
When it is very hot, circulatory problems and heatstroke can occur.
These signs show you that something is wrong:
- You have a red head.
- Your body temperature is over 39 °C.
- You feel dizzy.
- You have circulatory problems and feel confused or weak.
- You have a headache.
- You feel sick.
If you notice these signs in yourself or a colleague, you need to act quickly.
Act quickly.
What you should do when you're not feeling well
- Get out of the sun immediately!
- Lie down in the shade.
- Drink plenty of water.
- If you feel dizzy, put your feet up.
- Put damp cloths on your forehead, neck and legs.
Are you, a colleague or a fellow worker getting worse and worse?
Don't hesitate. A heat stroke can be very dangerous. Get help and quickly inform the first aider, your foreman or your boss.
In an emergency, call the emergency services immediately: 112Personal, fast, uncomplicated
SVLFG – strong by your side
SVLFG supports you – for safe work, good health, and quick help in case of an emergency.