Sun Safety in Canada

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV) can cause sunburn, premature skin aging, eye damage and skin cancer. Tans and sunburns are signs that UV rays have damaged the skin. This damage can occur quickly and stay with you for life.

Did you know? Over 1.5 million outdoor workers in Canada are substantially exposed to the sun on the job.¹ The largest industrial groups exposed are construction, farming, and building care and maintenance.²

Exposure Category
UV Index

• Low 0-2
• Moderate 3-5
• High 6-7
• Very High 8-10
• Extreme 11+

The UV index measures the strength of the sun's rays. The higher the number, the greater the need to take precautions. Employers should:

• Avoid unnecessary exposure of workers to the sun, especially from 11 am - 3:00 pm. Use protection when the UV index is 3 or higher.
• Use shaded areas, set up shade structures, or use umbrellas, buildings, trees, or canopies to shield against the sun’s rays.
• Provide access to water.
• Encourage breaks in areas where workers can cool down.

If you employ outdoor workers, sun safety should be part of your health and safety program

• Develop a sun safety policy
• Involve workers in the design and implementation of the program
• Review current processes for managing sun exposure, and assess the risks
• Implement control measures
• Monitor, review, and take corrective action as necessary

Reduce the risk

• Use sunscreen on exposed skin. Apply waterproof sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 that has both UVA and UVB protection to all exposed areas. Re-apply every two hours and after sweating.
• Protect your skin on cloudy days and in the winter too, especially in snow or at high altitudes
• Cover and protect your skin with a broad brimmed hat, a lightweight long-sleeved shirt, and long pants. Wear UV-blocking sunglasses to protect your eyes.
• Examine the skin regularly for suspicious spots. Check your skin for irregularities such as moles. See a doctor if you have unusual skin conditions that don't heal in four weeks, sore ulcers or a scaly patch on the skin, a white patch on the lips that doesn't heal, or moles that grow quickly, change shape or colour, or bleed repeatedly.

Resources on developing a sun safety program: sunsafetyatwork.ca

¹Occupational Cancer Research Centre, https://www.occupationalcancer.ca/2013/sun-safety-at-work-canada/
²CAREX Canada, https://www.carexcanada.ca/