NITRAS SAFETY | Products funded by BG BAU

WHY UV AND HEAT PROTECTION IS SO IMPORTANT ON CONSTRUCTION SITES

Many jobs in the construction industry are carried out outdoors on a permanent basis. This means that, particularly during the summer months, workers are exposed to high levels of UV radiation and intense heat. The consequences are often underestimated: sunburn, heat stress or long-term skin and eye damage can pose serious health risks.

Technical and organisational measures always take priority. However, not all hazards can be completely avoided. This is why personal protective measures play a crucial role – particularly through suitable PPE and workwear with UV and heat protection.

This is precisely where BG BAU’s funding scheme comes in. Financial support is available for certain products to better protect employees from UV radiation and heat stress.

But which PPE really protects against sun and heat – and for which products does BG BAU offer funding?

WHAT PPE AND WORKWEAR IS SUBSIDISED BY BG BAU

BG BAU subsidises various products designed to protect workers from UV radiation and heat when working outdoors. These include, in particular, solutions that combine protective effectiveness with comfort

Typical subsidised products:

+ Functional shirts with UV protection: Protect the upper body and arms from UV radiation whilst helping the body to dissipate heat

+ High-visibility shirts with UV protection: Combine visibility and UV protection in a single layer of clothing

+ Headwear with neck protection: Protect the head, ears and neck better than traditional baseball caps

+ UV safety goggles: Reduce harmful UV radiation to the eyes

+ Cooling clothing: Helps regulate body temperature in high temperatures

At NITRAS, the products 7009 // MOTION TEX VIZ and 7014 // MOTION TEX VIZ are currently subsidised by BG BAU. Both long-sleeved high-visibility shirts combine UV protection (UPF 40+) with high-visibility protection in accordance with EN ISO 20471 Class 3 and have been specially developed for outdoor work.

The advantage: employees benefit simultaneously from improved visibility, reliable UV protection and high comfort – ideal for working in sunny conditions and high temperatures.

WHY UV PROTECTION IS BECOMING INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT

UV radiation and heat are among the most frequently underestimated hazards on construction sites and when working outdoors. Even in the shade, a significant proportion of UV radiation can still have an effect due to reflection and scattering.

Particularly problematic are:

+ Long working hours outdoors
+ Physically demanding activities in high temperatures
+ Direct sunlight on the head, neck and arms
+ High strain on the cardiovascular system

The right PPE can play a crucial role in reducing health risks and maintaining performance in day-to-day work.

Important: Protective measures should be combined where possible – e.g. UV-protective clothing, headgear, safety goggles and sunscreen.

COMMON MISTAKES REGARDING UV AND HEAT PROTECTION

In practice, the risks posed by UV radiation and heat are often underestimated.

Typical mistakes:

+ Not wearing long-sleeved UV-protective clothing
+ Wearing unsuitable headgear
+ Lack of protection for the neck and eyes
+ Underestimating UV radiation in the shade
+ Failure to adapt clothing to high temperatures

The result: increased strain on the skin, eyes and circulatory system – potentially leading to long-term health problems.

Therefore, UV and heat protection should be an integral part of modern PPE strategies.

MAKING THE MOST OF BG BAU FUNDING

BG BAU funding helps companies to better protect their employees from UV radiation and heat stress. Modern PPE and workwear play a vital role in ensuring safety, health and productivity in the workplace.

Especially when working outdoors, the combination of protective function, comfort and ergonomic design is well worth it.

Because ultimately, good UV and heat protection safeguards health not just in the short term, but in the long term too.