Outdoor Workers and Sun Protection

Employees, who work outdoors, have a high risk for developing skin cancer because they are regularly exposed to the sun for long periods of time.

Adding to the danger for outdoor workers is that they are often in the sun between 12 noon and 2 pm when the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which will harm the skin, is at its strongest.

Excessive exposure to the sun's radiation over the years is a factor related to premature skin aging, skin cancer, and cataracts.

To reduce the exposure of workers to ultraviolet rays while working in direct sunlight when UV levels are high, share the following precautions with your employees and consider providing sun protective clothing and sunscreen to your outdoor workers.

Protect Yourself in 5 Simple Steps!

1. Seek shade between 10 am and 4 pm.

Seek shade from buildings, trees, canopies, etc. especially during lunch and coffee breaks.

 2. Slip on sun-protective clothing.

Choose long pants and long sleeve collared shirts. Wear clothing that covers as much of the body as possible. Fabrics which do not let light through work best and are loose and comfortable. If you perspire heavily, reapply sunscreen more often. Additionally, when clothing is wet, it loses some of its ability to block out the sun’s rays. Ensure you have additional dry clothing.

 3.  Slop on SPF 30+ sunscreen and lip balm.

Use a broad spectrum (UVA and UVB), water-resistant sunscreen and apply 20 minutes before going outside. Reapply at least every 2 hours.

4. Slap on a broad-brimmed hat.

A hat should cover your head, face, neck and ears. A width of 8 cm or 3 inches for the brim. Construction helmets can be altered by adding a glare guard under the peak of your hard hat, attaching a back flap and or/visor to a construction helmet. A brim attachment for hard hats may be available.

 5. Slide on sunglasses.

 Go for close-fitting, wrap-around styles that are UV-absorbent safety glasses. Sunglasses used for different purposes are specified in the CSA Standard Z94.5-95, "Nonprescription Sunglasses."

Resources:

Canadian Dermatology Association

Ontario Ministry of Labour

Cancer Council New South Wales

Upcoming Events:

National Sun Awareness Week: Canadian Dermatology Association

June 8^th- June 14^th, 2009

If you would like more information please contact Anne Marie Ramsay, Public Health Nurse, at 519-883-2008 ext.5316 or rannemar@region.waterloo.on.ca

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