Sun Safety for Outdoor Workers
Published: 5 May 2010
If you work outdoors, you have a high risk for developing skin cancer because you are regularly exposed to the sun for long periods of time, according to the Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA).
Adding to the danger for outdoor workers is the fact that you are often in the sun during those times in the day when the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which will harm the skin, is at its strongest, between 12 noon and 2 pm.
The CDA is focusing on sun safety for outdoor workers during its National Sun Awareness Campaign now underway. The good news is that skin cancer is largely preventable. You can protect yourself in these ways:
- Try to limit the amount of time you work outdoors in the sun from 11 am to 4 pm.
- Seek shade from buildings, trees, canopies, etc, as much as possible, especially during lunch and coffee breaks.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat (more than 8 cm or 3 inches). Attach a back flap to a construction helmet to cover the back of the neck and a visor for the front of the face.
- Wear clothing that covers as much of the body as possible. Fabrics which do not let light through work best. Make sure clothing is loose and comfortable.
- Apply an SPF 30 or higher, broad spectrum (protects against UVA and UVB) sunscreen to all exposed areas of skin before you go outside.
- Reapply at midday or more often if you are perspiring heavily. Apply a broad spectrum, SPF 30 lip balm.
Tags