Sun exposure and outdoor employment

When things go wrong for your team, it affects the bottom line. Workers suffering from heat stress naturally do not work as well, or they may not work at all. Severe conditions, such as heat stroke, can be fatal in the worst case and, at the very least, put key workers out of work when you need them most. Due to global warming, we experience increased heat stress. We could experience a loss of productivity equal to 80 million jobs globally by 2030.

Your skin will not like too much sun. A sunburn is an indication of skin damage. Sunlight's ultraviolet (UV) rays harm various materials. Working people who labor outdoors may have a 5 to 10% increased risk of skin cancer.

The Solar UV Index provides information on the amount of UV radiation and the level of caution required. When the UV index is three or higher, skin and eye protection are absolutely necessary. UV levels fluctuate depending on the season and time of day.

UV (ultraviolet) rays from the sun can damage the skin and cause sunburn, early aging, and skin cancer. It can also lead to conditions like snow blindness and cataracts, as well as infections and harm to the eyes. Even in the winter, it is imperative that you shield your employees from UV rays.

Despite some cases, those with naturally brown or black skin are less likely to develop skin cancer. If you have fair or freckled skin, red or blonde hair, or a lot of moles, you should exercise extreme caution.

Sun exposure causes immediate harm to the skin, even if it only slightly reddens. Blistering and peeling of the skin can result from sunburn. The most frequent and direct consequence of excessive UV exposure is this. Within 15 to 20 hours, sunburned skin can become a brilliant red color. It's critical to keep in mind that even on gloomy days, you might get burned. When sunlight reflects off materials like snow, water, or pavement, the risk of exposure rises.

Long-term exposure to UV radiation increases the rate of skin aging. The skin loses its elasticity. It can become thin, wrinkled, freckled, and blotchy. While this damage may take years to appear, it is irreversible. Long-term unprotected exposure to UV rays for many years can increase the risk of developing skin cancer. This occurs in areas that receive the most UV exposure, such as the forehead, cheeks, nose, lower lip, and upper ears.

UV radiation is especially harmful to the eyes. Short-term exposure may cause temporary, painful conditions such as snow blindness (inflammation of the cornea) and conjunctivitis (inflammation of the white area of the eyeball). Long-term exposure may increase the risk of developing cataracts or macular degeneration. Exposure to UV rays reflected by snow and ice can cause a type of snow blindness. It is commonly referred to as "snow blindness."

What can you do to protect yourself?

You must first carry out a risk analysis of sun exposure and create a suitable sun protection strategy. Employers are required to provide covered spaces for recreation, such as tents, to reduce sun exposure. When UV levels are at their greatest, between 11:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., try to avoid working outside. Also, wait till cooler times of the day to perform the physically demanding duties. Plan work and break periods so that employees have enough time to cool off in shaded areas.

Make cooled water available and promote regular water breaks. Put on protective attire, including long sleeves, long pants, and wide-brimmed hats. UV rays can be blocked more effectively by clothing composed of sunscreen textiles. To shield your eyes from direct sunlight, put on UV protection goggles. Wraparound sunglasses that absorb UVA and UVB radiation are recommended.

Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher 20 minutes before going out. If you sweat, you may need to reapply it more frequently than every two hours. Be sure to cover your ears and the back of your neck with a hat that has a brim or a flap. Encourage your staff to perform routine skin checks. They should consult a doctor right away if they notice anything odd (new moles, pigmentation, scaly patches, etc.).

Include sun safety measures in your team's daily routine. Take extensive precautions to keep your workers safe from heat-related illnesses that could happen on the job or later. Inform your employees of the dangers of UV radiation and sun safety.