Sun Safety Information for Outdoor Workers

Outdoor workers are naturally exposed to the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation (UVR).   Skin cancer is a serious health concern for people who have an outdoor occupation, such as construction workers, horticultural workers, lifeguards, farmers, postal workers and others.

What is UVR and why is it so important to health?

There are three (3) basic types of UVR:  ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet C (UVC).  UVA and UVB rays penetrate the earth’s protective ozone layer and reach the earth’s surface.  UVC rays are unable to permeate the ozone layer and therefore does not reach the earth’s surface.

Over exposure to UVA and UVB rays cause skin, eye and immune system damage. On a clear summer’s day it can take as little as fifteen (15) minutes for fair skin to burn.   Sunburn is the body’s reaction to radiation that the skin has absorbed.  UVR causes damage to the skin cells, some can repair themselves, others cannot. The damage accumulates with each over exposure to the sun.  The skin eventually develops irreversible damage such as thinning, losing elasticity and developing blemishes, freckles, wrinkles and moles.  Over time damaged skin is at an increased risk for skin cancer.  Skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in Canada.  There are three (3) types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. 

Melanoma is the least common skin cancer but the most serious.  It can spread to other parts of the body and can cause death.  Melanoma is one of the few cancers that is found in young people. 

In addition to causing skin cancer, chronic exposure to UVR appears to be the major risk factor for cataract development and several studies have reported that over exposure to UVR alters immune responses in humans.

What is the ultraviolet index (UVI) and why is it so important for outdoor workers?

The UVI is a measure of the intensity of the UVR on the earth’s surface as it relates to the health effects on human skin.  Becoming aware of the daily UVI can lead to informed decisions about practicing sun safety behaviours that will have a lasting effect on health.  Understand and use the UVI to reduce the risks related to over exposure to UVR.  The UVI is available on the following websites: Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, Weather Network, or Environment Canada.  It is also aired on a variety of radio and television weather reports.

What Can Workers Do to Reduce the Risks of Over-exposure to UVR?

Whether you are outdoors having fun with family or friends, gardening, exercising, attending a workplace social event like a golf tournament, ball game or company picnic, or working outdoors follow these healthy sun-protective recommendations.  They will reduce the risks associated with over-exposure to the sun, such as skin cancer and cataracts:

Reduce exposure to the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. 

If possible, schedule outdoor activities during non-peak times.  Starting outdoor work early in the morning, breaking when the sun is most intense, and then restarting later in the afternoon is an option that may be feasible for some outdoor workers.

Seek shade or create your own.

Wear a wide-brimmed hat or French foreign legion type hat to protect your face, head, neck and ears. 

Protect arms and legs with tightly woven, dark, loose fitting clothing.

Use a broad-spectrum (UVA, UVB) sunscreen with a SPF (Sun Protective Factor) of 15 or higher. Apply 15-30 minutes before going outdoors. Re-apply often, at least every two (2) hours and after being in the water or doing vigorous activities and sweating. Sunscreens are to be used in conjunction with other sun-protective behaviours like seeking shade and wearing suitable clothing.  Sunscreens are not intended to prolong the time a person can remain in the sun, but rather to reduce the harmful effects of UVR for people who have to be in the sun.

Wear UV protective sunglasses. UV protective sunglasses are available in Canada as   safety glasses. Check with a safety equipment supplier or retail stores.

Sources: 

World Health Organization, Global Solar UV Index, A Practical Guide, 2002

http://www.who.int/uv/publications/en/GlobalUVI.pdf

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, Skin Cancer and Sunlight

http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/diseases/skin_cancer.html

Cancer Care Ontario, Cancer Incidence and Mortality in Ontario, 1964-2002

 http://www.cancercare.on.ca/index_statisticsSkin.htm

Links:

Environment Canada – http://exp-studies.tor.ec.gc.ca/e/ozone/real.htm

Weather Network – http://www.theweathernetwork.com/features/uv/pages/UVYQG.htm