Arbeitgeber muss Mitarbeitende vor Hautkrebs schützen

Employees who work predominantly outdoors and are regularly exposed to UV radiation are two to three times more likely to develop skin cancer or its precursors than the general population. For this reason, employers are obliged to take measures to protect their employees from skin cancer.

Skin cancers caused by UV radiation are recognised as occupational diseases and must be compensated in the event of illness. This applies to squamous cell carcinoma and multiple actinic keratosis. This means that employees suffering from skin cancer can access benefits from the employers' liability insurance association and are entitled to remedies or rehabilitation measures that often go beyond the benefits provided by the statutory health insurance funds. However, it also means that employers must offer their employees regular occupational health screening: ‘Depending on the type of job, the employer must offer skin cancer screening at least every three years,’ says Dr Louis Froesewitte, occupational physician at MEDITÜV. The first check is already due as part of the recruitment process to determine the status quo. ‘Unfortunately, this is rarely implemented in practice. In the event of illness, it can be important for employees to be able to prove that their illness fulfils the criteria of an occupational disease,’ says Froesewitte. But the employer also benefits from knowing that the new employee can carry out work outdoors without any increased risk.

The core of these health measures is the risk assessment. It must be carried out in every company. ‘Even where only one person is employed, care must be taken to ensure that this person's health is protected,’ says Froesewitte. In consultation with the company and employees, an occupational physician examines sun-exposed areas of skin such as the arms, face, shoulders and neck for skin changes. The examination takes place at the company during working hours and is free of charge for employees. Of course, no one is obliged to undergo this examination, but it is a low-threshold introduction to preventive healthcare. Experience shows that only 30 per cent of those insured take advantage of the skin cancer screening offered by health insurance companies. ‘Waiting times, appointments during working hours, travelling to and from work - this inhibits many people from going to the doctor, especially if they are not suffering,’ says Dr Louis Froesewitte. The earlier skin tumours are detected, the better the chances of recovery.  

The risk of developing skin cancer is high. Currently, every 50th person in Germany develops black skin cancer*. People who spend a lot of time in the sun are particularly at risk. ‘As a good employer, you should do everything you can to protect your own team,’ says Louis Froesewitte. This puts you ahead of the game, not least when it comes to recruiting. The exact measures to be taken are also determined by the risk assessment. In addition to regular skin cancer screening, these can be very practical things. ‘It starts with the free provision of sun cream or protective clothing and continues with the installation of sun awnings in the workplace, if possible,’ says Froesewitte. In any case, employers are obliged to regularly instruct their employees and draw their attention to the dangers of sun exposure.

Employees who work outdoors for one hour or more per day on at least 50 working days per year (between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. in April and September) are entitled to preventive care from their employer. This is set out in Occupational Health Rule 13.3, which was adopted by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs together with the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. If the employer provides personal protective equipment such as awnings or UV-absorbing clothing, this period can be extended. ‘How high the individual risk is and whether the criteria are met is determined and documented as part of a risk assessment. This ensures that all employees receive maximum protection,’ says Froesewitte.

Further links:
Risk assessment - all the information you need| MEDITÜV (medituev.de)

*Source: German Cancer Society

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