Outdoor Workers’ Acceptance of Personal Protective Measures Against Solar Ultraviolet Radiation

Abstract

The acceptance and usability of personal protection against solar UV radiation was evaluated in a field study with a group of tinsmiths in Austria. The personal protective measures (PPM) tested involved four categories: shirts, headwear, sunglasses and topically applied sunscreens; at least six different products per category were tested. Recommendations for the "ideal" shirt, headwear, pair of sunglasses and topical sunscreen are given based on data from questionnaires, i.e., from the point of view of the workers, independently from the actual physical level of protection (such as low transmittance or area of coverage) provided. It is argued that in practice it is important to consider the acceptance and usability of protective measures as well as the level of physical protection when providing PPM.

Acceptance and Usability of Different Sunscreen Formulations among Outdoor Workers: A Randomized, Single-blind, Cross-over Study

“…Our findings are congruent with the results of a recent study on community members' (Rochester, Minnesota) preferences for facial sunscreens, which revealed that subjects were significantly more likely to use products again if they were less greasy, less likely to leave a film, and less likely to trigger a hot and sweaty feeling (32). From an occupational point of view, Weber et al (15) reported that, for Austrian tin-smiths, the most important quality was that the product was easy to apply. In this study sprays were preferred to other methods of application (15).…”

“…This is important because, until now, workers' compliance with the use of UV-protective measures in outdoor work has been low (9,10,12,13,15,16,24). Weber et al (15) revealed that only 40% of Austrian tin-smiths used sunscreens regularly on a sunny working day (15). Geller et al (24) reported that 50% of swimming pool staff had a history of severe sunburns, and approximately 80% remembered having acquired a sunburn during work time in the last summer season (24).…”

“…From an occupational point of view, Weber et al (15) reported that, for Austrian tin-smiths, the most important quality was that the product was easy to apply. In this study sprays were preferred to other methods of application (15). In our study the gel and the milk came in conventional tube packaging.…”

“…Weber et al (15) supplied 13 tinsmiths (work frequently on roofs and facades and often manipulate highly reflective metal surfaces) with different sunscreens and asked them to rate the products. Products likely to be accepted were those that were easy to apply even with dirty hands, that did not smell oily or result in a sticky feeling, that were resistant to mechanical irritation and sweat, and that did not irritate the eyes (15). However, field study data on the acceptance of sunscreens in outdoor work are scarce.…”

“…However, there are recommendations on prevention measures, including technical and organizational measures, as well as personal UV-protection, such as sun-protective work-clothes, hats and sunglasses, as well as the use of sunscreens on unprotected areas of exposed skin (7,8). However, studies in outdoor workers have shown considerable compliance problems in the regular use of personal UV-protection measures (9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16).…”