Prevention & Health Promotion

Staying Healthy and Safe This Summer

As wonderful as summer is, high temperatures and UV radiation can be a burden during this time of year. If you’re aware of the risks and take the necessary precautions, you can stay healthy and safe throughout the hot season—whether on the construction site, in the office, during your free time, or while playing sports.

Sun

As temperatures rise and the sun shines, the strain on our bodies increases during the summer. Heat and intense sunlight are often underestimated—with potential consequences for your health and safety at work.

Beware of Heat
High ambient temperatures can impair health as well as mental and physical performance, leading to fatigue, difficulty concentrating, headaches, or dizziness. Anyone who exposes themselves to extreme heat for an extended period risks circulatory problems, heat exhaustion, or, in the worst case, heatstroke.

Beware of UV Radiation
Excessive sun exposure is also a hazard: Over the long term, ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause skin cancer and damage the eyes. Caution is advised even in the short term: Without proper protection, sunstroke can occur—even in windy conditions or under a slightly cloudy sky. See below to learn how to respond if you suspect someone has sunstroke.

Stay well-protected throughout the warm season
Our checklists help you reduce health risks and get through the summer months healthy and safe.

Construction site

Working on a construction site in the heat and sun

When working on construction sites, physical strain, high temperatures, and intense UV radiation all come into play. This makes it all the more important that you consistently follow safety precautions.

  • June and July: Wear neck protection and a hat with a brim
  • Drink regularly, in sufficient amounts, and make sure the water isn’t too cold
  • Apply sunscreen several times a day
  • Complete heavy work in the morning whenever possible
  • Work in the shade whenever possible; use shade tents and sun sails
  • Weakness, dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps, or trouble concentrating: Take a break in the shade immediately
  • If symptoms do not improve: Notify your supervisor and call emergency services

Important: Be sure to followsite-specific heat safety rules issued by supervisors and safety teams!

Download these recommendations as a poster for the construction site

Office

Staying Cool at the Office

High temperatures not only affect your well-being, but also your concentration and performance. By taking a few simple steps, you can ensure that you stay fit, focused, and healthy even on hot days.

  • Dress in layers for hot weather outdoors and air-conditioned indoor spaces
  • Don’t forget sunscreen for your commute
  • Stay hydrated
  • Protect your workspace from the sun and heat
  • Plan for enough rest
  • Schedule exercise for the cooler times of day
  • Take warning signs seriously: dizziness, headaches, severe fatigue

Leisure

Leisure and Sports in the Sun and Heat

Whether it’s jogging, biking, hiking, or swimming: staying active is especially fun in the summer. If you keep a few important tips in mind, you can enjoy the warm days without any worries and avoid overexertion.

General Tips

  • Stay Hydrated
  • Reapply sunscreen frequently and use enough
  • Take regular breaks in the shade
  • Watch for warning signs such as dizziness or nausea

During exercise

  • Exercise in the morning or evening
  • Pay attention to heat warnings
  • Adjust the intensity and duration of your workout

When swimming

What should you do if you get heatstroke?

Anyone who works outdoors or exercises in the sun can suffer from sunstroke if they don’t take adequate precautions. This can manifest itself through various symptoms. Typical symptoms include a throbbing headache, a red and hot head, a stiff or sore neck, as well as dizziness and lightheadedness. Nausea, vomiting, fatigue, or restlessness are also common. In severe cases, confusion or impaired consciousness may occur. If you experience several of these symptoms at the same time, you should act quickly.

Sunstroke—Here's What to Do

Do you have heatstroke yourself?

  • Get out of the sun immediately and find some shade.
  • Cool your head and neck with damp cloths.
  • Drink water or unsweetened tea in small sips—no ice-cold drinks!
  • Avoid any physical exertion.
  • If you don’t feel better, seek medical help.

With proper treatment, heatstroke symptoms usually subside quickly.

Do you suspect that a coworker has heatstroke?

Here’s how to provide first aid:

  • Immediately move the person to the shade or a cool place.
  • Sit them down or position them so their upper body is slightly elevated.
  • Loosen or remove any tight clothing.
  • Cool their head and neck with damp cloths or cold compresses.
  • Give the person water or an electrolyte-rich drink.
  • Reassure them and keep them out of direct sunlight.
  • Not sure if it’s sunstroke or perhaps even heatstroke? If the person experiences severe headaches, vomiting, confusion, and/or a fever, call emergency number 144 .

Learn more about sunstroke and other heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke

Important and Interesting Links