Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause sunburn, premature skin aging, eye damage, and skin cancer.
Did you know?
Approximately 1.6 million workers in Canada are exposed to sun on the job
The largest occupational groups exposed are:
Construction workers
Farmers and farm managers
Landscapers and ground maintenance workers
80 per cent of those exposed are male
Statistics from CAREX Canada https://www.carexcanada.ca/
The sun’s rays can be harmful year-round, especially from 11 am to 3 pm between April to September in Canada.
Reducing the risk
Avoid unnecessary exposure. Try to do outdoor and physically demanding work during the coolest parts of the workday. Whenever possible, plan any unshaded outdoor work for before 11 am or after 3 pm. Check the UV forecast daily and protect your skin accordingly.
Set up shaded areas. Use structures like umbrellas, buildings, tents, canopies, or natural dense shade, such as trees, to shield the sun’s rays. Take breaks in the shade whenever possible.
Put on sun protection. Wear a wide-brimmed hat or neck flap to shade your head, face, ears and back of the neck, clothing that is lightweight and tightly woven or labelled with UV-protection, and long sleeves and pants. Protect your eyes with UV-blocking sunglasses.
Use sunscreen on exposed skin. Apply waterproof sunscreen and lip balm with a minimum SPF 30. Re-apply every two hours or more often after sweating or working in water. Protect your skin on cloudy days and in the winter, especially in snow or at high altitudes.
Examine skin regularly. Check for suspicious spots and irregularities, such as sore ulcers or scaly patches on the skin, a white patch on the lips, or moles that grow quickly, change shape or colour, or bleed.
See a doctor if you spot something suspicious or notice a change.
If you employ outdoor workers, develop and maintain a sun safety program.
Create a sun safety policy
Involve workers in designing and implementing the program
Assess sun exposure risks of every outdoor task and review current processes for managing sun exposure
Introduce control measures
Monitor, review, and adjust your program regularly