07 Jul Sun Protection – No Skin Off Your Nose

Sun Protection – No Skin Off Your Nose

Sun protection is important for anyone who works outdoors. Repeated exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause sunburn, premature skin aging, eye damage, and skin cancer. UV exposure can occur even on cloudy or hazy days, so outdoor workers should take precautions whenever significant sun exposure is expected.

Guide for Discussion

Understand UV Exposure

Ultraviolet radiation from the sun can damage exposed skin and eyes. The risk increases with the intensity and duration of exposure.

Remember:

• Sun damage can occur without noticeable heat.
• UV radiation can reach the skin on cloudy or hazy days.
• People of all skin tones can experience UV-related skin and eye damage.
• Repeated exposure over time increases the risk of skin damage.
• Certain medications can increase sensitivity to sunlight.

Outdoor workers should make sun protection part of their normal PPE and work-planning routine.

Cover Exposed Skin

Clothing provides an effective physical barrier against UV radiation.

When practical:

• Wear lightweight, long-sleeved shirts.
• Wear long pants.
• Choose tightly woven or UV-protective clothing.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat that protects the face, ears, and neck.
• Consider additional neck protection when working in direct sunlight for extended periods.

Select clothing appropriate for both sun protection and the temperature to avoid contributing to heat stress.

Use Sunscreen

Apply sunscreen to skin that cannot be adequately covered by clothing.

• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB radiation.
• Select an SPF of 30 or higher.
• Apply sunscreen generously to exposed skin before outdoor work.
• Remember commonly missed areas such as the ears, neck, face, and backs of the hands.
• Reapply approximately every two hours and more frequently when sweating heavily or as directed by the product instructions.
• Do not rely on sunscreen alone when clothing, shade, or other protective measures are available.

Protect Your Eyes

Long-term UV exposure can also damage the eyes.

• Wear sunglasses that provide appropriate UVA and UVB protection.
• Use safety glasses with UV protection when occupational eye protection is required.
• Wear a brimmed hat for additional protection.
• Never substitute ordinary sunglasses for required safety eyewear.

Proper eye protection can also reduce glare and squinting that may interfere with visibility while working.

Use Shade When Practical

Reducing direct exposure is another effective form of protection.

• Perform work in shaded areas when practical.
• Use temporary canopies or other shade structures where appropriate.
• Take breaks in shaded or indoor areas.
• Consider sun exposure when planning prolonged outdoor tasks.

Shade does not completely eliminate UV exposure, so sunscreen and protective clothing may still be necessary.

Watch for Skin Changes

Employees should pay attention to unusual or changing areas of skin, particularly when they routinely work outdoors.

Be aware of:

• New or changing moles.
• Sores that do not heal.
• Unusual spots or discoloration.
• Changes in the size, shape, or color of existing skin markings.

Employees concerned about a skin change should consider having it evaluated by an appropriate healthcare professional.

Sun Protection and Heat Stress

Sun protection and heat-stress prevention should be considered together.

• Wear breathable protective clothing appropriate for the conditions.
• Stay adequately hydrated.
• Use shade during breaks.
• Follow established heat-illness prevention procedures.
• Adjust work practices when environmental conditions become hazardous.

Do not remove necessary protective clothing simply because conditions are hot without considering both the UV and heat hazards.

Before Outdoor Work

Consider:

• How long will you be working outside?
• How much direct sunlight will you receive?
• Is shade available?
• Are you wearing appropriate clothing?
• Have you applied sunscreen to exposed skin?
• Are your eyes protected from UV radiation?
• Are heat-stress precautions also necessary?

Remember

Sun damage accumulates over time. Protect your skin and eyes with appropriate clothing, shade, broad-spectrum sunscreen, and UV-protective eyewear whenever outdoor work creates significant sun exposure.