Key points
- Working outdoors in sunlight can increase the risk of sunburn and skin cancer.
- Employers and workers can take steps to protect themselves from UV exposure.
Overview
Working outdoors in sunlight can increase your risk of sunburn and skin cancer.
Ultraviolet (UV) rays are an invisible form of radiation in sunlight. UV rays can penetrate the skin and damage skin cells. There are three types of UV rays: ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB), and ultraviolet C (UVC).
UVA is the most abundant type of UV radiation that reaches the Earth's surface. It can penetrate beyond the top layer of skin and damage connective tissue, increasing the risk of skin cancer. UVB rays do not penetrate as deeply into skin as UVA rays but can also cause skin cancer. Natural UVC rays do not pose a risk to workers because they are absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere.
UV exposure can also damage your eyes. Short-term exposure can cause red, dry, painful, or gritty-feeling eyes. Long-term exposure can increase the risk of pterygium (tissue growth that leads to blindness), cataracts, and macular degeneration (a leading cause of blindness).
UV exposure from sunlight is generally highest during the summer and between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Working outdoors during these times increases the chances of sunburn.
Snow and light-colored sand reflect UV radiation, increasing the risk of sunburn. At worksites with these conditions, UV rays may reach workers' exposed skin from both above and below.
Workers are at risk from UV radiation even on cloudy days.
Many medications can increase sensitivity to sunlight and the risk of getting sunburn, including
- Thiazides
- Diuretics
- Tetracycline
- Doxycycline
- Sulfa antibiotics
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen
Reducing risk
Employers
Employers can protect workers from sun exposure by:
- Scheduling outdoor work when there is less sunlight exposure.
- Providing shaded or indoor break areas.
- Training workers about sun exposure including:
- Their risk of exposure
- How to prevent exposure
- The signs and symptoms of overexposure
Workers
Workers can protect themselves from UV damage from sun exposure by:
- Wearing sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30+.
- SPF refers to the amount of time that persons will be protected from a burn.
- Sunscreen performance is affected by wind, humidity, perspiration, and proper application.
- SPF refers to the amount of time that persons will be protected from a burn.
- Throwing away old sunscreens because they do not work as well after 1-2 years.
- Applying at least 1 ounce of sunscreen 20 minutes before sun exposure.
- Special attention should be given to covering the ears, scalp, lips, neck, tops of feet, and backs of hands.
- Reapplying sunscreens at least every 2 hours and each time you get out of the water or sweat heavily.
- You may need to apply sunscreen more frequently when also using insect repellents.
- Wearing appropriate clothing.
- Dark clothing with a tight weave is more protective than light-colored, loosely woven clothing.
- High-SPF clothing can provide more protection.
- Wearing wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses with almost 100% UV protection and with side panels to protect your eyes.
Treating a sunburn
About sunburns
Sunburn is a sign of skin damage from too much UV exposure. Repeated overexposure to UV radiation can lead to premature wrinkling, age spots, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
Sunburns usually appear about 4 hours after sun exposure, worsen within 24-36 hours, and resolve in 3-5 days.
Symptoms
A worker with a sunburn may experience
- Red, warm, and tender skin
- Swollen skin
- Blistering
- Headache
- Fever
- Nausea
- Fatigue
There is no quick cure for minor sunburn. Workers with sunburns should avoid further sun exposure until the burn has healed.
What to do
If you have a sunburn, you can:
- Take a pain reliever to help with pain, headaches, and fever.
- Drink plenty of water to replace fluid losses.
- Take cool baths or apply cool wet cloths on the burned area.
- Apply a topical moisturizing cream, aloe, or 1% hydrocortisone cream.
If blistering occurs, lightly bandage or cover the area with gauze to help prevent infection. Do not break blisters because this can slow healing and increase the risk of infection.
When the blisters break and the skin peels, dried fragments may be removed. Apply an antiseptic ointment or hydrocortisone cream.
When to seek medical attention
- Severe sunburns cover more than 15% of your body.
- You are dehydrated.
- You have a high fever (over 101°F).
- Extreme pain lasts longer than 48 hours.
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