UV radiation is a major cause of skin cancer, yet there is currently limited knowledge in Norway about actual exposure levels during working hours for outdoor workers.
The project is led by the Oslo University Hospital (OUS) and is carried out in close collaboration with National Institute of Occupational Health (STAMI) and other national and international partners.
STAMI contributes particularly with exposure measurements, data interpretation, and the development and implementation of preventive measures.
The project is implemented as a pilot in one municipality and follows a three-step approach. First, we assess how sun protection is currently integrated into workplace health, safety and environment (HSE) systems. At the same time, we measure UV exposure using personal wearable dosimeters that record UV radiation levels throughout the workday.
These measurements are carried out in collaboration with the Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance (IFA), which has developed the Genesis-UV system. This ensures high-quality exposure data and allows comparison with international studies.
Based on these data, we develop and implement targeted sun safety measures. These include organisational measures (e.g. adjusted work schedules), technical measures (e.g. access to shade), and personal protective measures (e.g. clothing and sunscreen). The effectiveness of these measures is evaluated through repeated UV exposure measurements.
The project is interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral, involving expertise in occupational medicine, dermatology, epidemiology, radiation protection and workplace safety. It is conducted in collaboration with national stakeholders and international partners, including experts behind the Australian SunSmart programme (Cancer Council Victoria), which has demonstrated population-level impact on skin cancer prevention.
The results will be used to develop practical recommendations and are intended to be integrated into the national UV and skin cancer strategy, supporting the scaling up of effective preventive measures in working life.
Project lead: Jose Hernán Alfonso
More information is to be found on the Norwegian project page.