Press - Industrial Union
Construction-Agriculture-Environment
District Association Saar-Trier
Fritz-Dobisch-Str. 5 • 66111 Saarbrücken
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Thomas M. Kreten
06 81 – 92 56 30
06 81 – 92 56 310
Deputy Regional Manager Rhineland-Palatinate-Saar
July 14, 2026 Ute Langenbahn
Florian Göricke
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Just drink plenty of water: Anyone working outside in the summer heat needs a strong
sip of water every quarter of an hour. “Quenching thirst is the boss’s responsibility:
they have to provide a ‘drink flat rate’,” says Ute Langenbahn from
IG BAU Saar-Trier.
IG BAU: “WSS – water, sunscreen and shade are what matter”
For everyone working under
the blazing sun in Saarlouis district: WSS rule
When occupational safety comes from the tube: “Plenty of sunscreen” – this is extremely important for everyone working outdoors in Saarlouis district. This was emphasized by IG BAU Saar-Trier. The most important summer rule:
“Apply sunscreen, apply sunscreen, apply sunscreen. When the sun shines strongly, that means:
sun protection factor 50. And reapply every two hours. Because intensive UV protection is the be-all and end-all against skin cancer,” advises Ute Langenbahn.
The chairwoman of IG BAU Saar-Trier warns: “It is important not to get sunburned on the job.” Masons, road builders, and roofers in Saarlouis district should pay attention to this just as much as landscapers or harvest helpers. By the way: “Going shirtless while working under the blazing sun is anything but sexy. On the contrary: as much of the body as possible should be covered with fabric. A breathable construction helmet with neck protection also belongs to the summer outfit on
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the construction site,” makes clear Ute Langenbahn. The employer is responsible for this.
Just as much as for plenty of drinks: “Quenching thirst in summer heat is also the boss’s responsibility,” says Ute Langenbahn. The district head of IG BAU Saar-Trier calls on all employers in Saarlouis district to provide a “drink flat rate” if their employees work outside during the day. For hard work in great heat, the union recommends drinking three to five liters per day. “The rule of thumb is: a full glass of water every 15 to 20 minutes. Ideal are water and cold teas,” says Ute Langenbahn.
Press Information
IG Construction-Agriculture-Environment
District Association Saar-Trier
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Regular breaks in the shade – for example under a sun sail – are also important. “Additionally, working hours should be shifted more to early mornings or evenings,” advises Langenbahn. The “WSS rule” applies: water,
sunscreen and shade – that’s what matters. IG BAU also recommends a regular “skin cancer check”: People who regularly work outdoors should visit a dermatologist once a year, according to the union.
For everyone working outdoors, the German Social Accident Insurance for the Construction Industry (BG BAU) offers practical tips for effective sun and heat protection:
www.bgbau.de/service/angebote/arbeitsschutzpraemien/praemie/individuell…-
und-hitzeschutz
www.igbau.de
