Sun safety at work: Protect your workforce from UV rays

Many employers are aware of the risk associated with heat and heat stress. If your employees work outdoors, the sun also puts them at risk of UV exposure. The sun’s ultraviolent (UV) rays, which are a form of radiation, can cause various symptoms associated with sunburn.

Symptoms of sunburn don’t always appear right away, so protecting your workers from the risks of sunburn is an essential part of a safety culture. Employers who provide employees with the appropriate methods of protection demonstrate their willingness to prioritize employee safety and wellbeing in all areas.

Balancing the benefits with the risks

In just 8-10 minutes of time in the sun, humans gain a sufficient amount of Vitamin D, according to UCLA Health. Vitamin D is an essential vitamin and hormone. However, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the rays that provide humans with this vitamin are also considered carcinogenic.

Protecting the body’s largest organ

To reduce the risk of developing a sunburn, employees should limit their time in the sun as much as possible. When employees don’t need to be working outside, encourage them to work inside.

Avoiding the sun during its peak hours of 10 a.m. through 4 p.m. isn’t possible for every industry, though. If employees are required to work outside, it’s essential that they protect their skin with proper personal protective equipment (PPE). Some examples of PPE to protect against UV exposure could be sun protection accessories like wide brimmed hats, sunglasses and hard hat neck shades. Clothing that is tightly woven or is labeled as having an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating should be encouraged at the workplace, along with the use of broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Sometimes, heavy clothing can create the risk of heat stress. When the climate poses risk for heat stress and extra UPF clothing isn’t the best option, using sunscreen is an effective strategy to prevent sun exposure.

Sunscreen should meet the following parameters:

• Broad-spectrum protection (UVA/UVB protection)
• SPF 30 or higher
• Water and sweat resistant

What employers can do

Providing shade and water for employees who need to work outside can allow employees to step out of the harmful UV rays for breaks while they reduce their body temperature. Going the extra step by providing workers with sunscreen can be a great way to demonstrate that your organization has a healthy work environment that promotes safety.

Employers can provide protective clothing, sunscreen, and sunglasses, while also scheduling breaks in the shade and during cooler hours. Educating workers about UV dangers by spreading awareness, distributing educational materials, and implementing controls like shade structures clear safety policies and procedures further minimize risk.

Safety managers who want to go the extra mile might distribute sunscreen to all employees, or provide them with a sun safety kit, for example. Not sure where to start? Your company’s HR department could be a great resource and may even be willing to collaborate and launch a company-wide initiative!

By prioritizing sun safety, employers demonstrate a commitment to employee well-being and create a safer work environment.