Abstract
ObjectivesSince January 2015, squamous cell carcinoma or multiple actinic keratosis of the skin caused by natural ultraviolet irradiation (UVR) is recognized as occupational disease in Germany. Interventions which improve the sun protection behavior of outdoor workers are urgently needed. When developing preventive interventions, the attitudes of target groups need to be taken into consideration. Therefore, outdoor workers’ perceptions and attitudes were investigated.MethodsSeven guided, problem‐centered qualitative interviews with healthy male outdoor workers were conducted. A qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the data.ResultsWe found an underestimation of the perceived skin cancer risk in the seven outdoor workers and heterogeneous attitudes toward the usage of sun‐protective measures. Participants stated that the feasibility of technical sun‐protective measures depends on the size of the working area. While using a headgear seemed common, none of the participants stated using additional neck protection. Wearing long‐sleeved shirts and long trousers were considered problematic. The interviews revealed important requirements for sun‐protective clothes, especially in terms of different materials. Although the usage of sunscreen was common, our interviewees seemed to apply it wrongly.ConclusionRisk perceptions of outdoor workers and their attitudes toward sun protection measures may influence the factual UV protection behavior in the workplace. Structures to facilitate the implementation of technical and organizational sun‐protective measures seem to be necessary. Educational interventions and clear instructions which are tailored to the individual needs and attitudes of outdoor workers are required to improve the UV protection behavior and to avoid common mistakes.
Highlights
The increasing number of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and melanoma makes skin cancer an important public health issue.[1]
Outdoor workers are at increased risk for developing basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma compared to indoor workers or the general population.[8,9,10,11]
Since January 2015, “squamous cell carcinoma or multiple actinic keratosis of the skin caused by natural UV irradiation” is recognized as occupational disease no. 5103 by the German Social Accident Insurance.[6,7,12,13]
Summary
The increasing number of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and melanoma makes skin cancer an important public health issue.[1]. There are about 14.5 million outdoor workers in Europe.[5] In Germany, between 2 and 3 million employees work outdoors for a major part of their working hours—up to 75% of their working time.[5,6,7] Due to their profession, outdoor workers are at increased risk for developing basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma compared to indoor workers or the general population.[8,9,10,11] Since January 2015, “squamous cell carcinoma or multiple actinic keratosis of the skin caused by natural UV irradiation” is recognized as occupational disease no. In Germany, between 2 and 3 million employees work outdoors for a major part of their working hours—up to 75% of their working time.[5,6,7] Due to their profession, outdoor workers are at increased risk for developing basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma compared to indoor workers or the general population.[8,9,10,11] Since January 2015, “squamous cell carcinoma or multiple actinic keratosis of the skin caused by natural UV irradiation” is recognized as occupational disease no. 5103 by the German Social Accident Insurance.[6,7,12,13] The recognition of NMSC as occupational disease sets a strong incentive for the German Statutory Social Accident Insurance bodies for effective strategies to prevent NMSC geared at reducing UVR exposure.[14,15]
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