Occupational exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation poses a significant health risk, particularly for workers in outdoor professions. Prolonged UV exposure is associated with a range of acute and chronic conditions, including erythema, photoaging, cataracts, and an increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancers. Despite growing awareness, protective behaviour among workers often remains inadequate. This paper examines the biological effects of UV radiation, identifies high-risk occupational groups, and discusses preventive strategies aimed at minimizing exposure. The emphasis is placed on the importance of implementing protection policies in the workplace, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), education campaigns, and organizational measures. Recognizing UV radiation as an occupational hazard is essential for safeguarding the health and well-being of exposed workers in light of climate change and ongoing ozone depletion.
UV radiation, occupational exposure, photoprotection, workplace safety
This paper was supported by the Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovations of the Republic of Serbia, Program for financing scientific research work, numbers 451-03-137/2025-03/200133 and 451-03-137/2025-03/200148.
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