It doesn’t matter if the day is sunny or cloudy – working outdoors exposes you to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. This can cause something as seemingly minor as a sunburn but puts you at risk for a more serious condition such as skin cancer.
UV rays are “part of the sunlight that’s an invisible form of radiation,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. These rays can “change the structure of skin cells.”
UV rays have three types: UVA, UVB and UVC. Of those three, UVA is the most serious, as it can get under the top layer of human skin. “Scientists believe that UVA radiation can cause damage to connective tissue and increase a person’s risk for developing skin cancer,” CDC says.
UVB rays don’t go as deep into the skin but they can still be a risk. UVC aren’t a risk to workers “because they’re absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere,” CDC notes.
Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. is when the sun’s rays are the strongest, increasing workers’ risk of exposure.
Use these tips from CDC to reduce UV exposure:
- Schedule work outside peak sun hours.
- Set up shaded or indoor break areas.
- Provide training on the risks of working in the sun.
- Make sunscreen available. Sunscreen should be applied 20 minutes before being exposed to the sun’s rays. Reapply every two hours.
- Wear proper protective clothing, such as sun hats, neck shades and sunglasses.
July is UV Safety Awareness Month. Learn more about preventing skin cancer.
