Hot Weather Sun Protection Hot Weather Sun Protection | 2

Hot Weather Sun Protection Hot summer months pose special hazards for outdoor workers who must protect themselves against heat, sun exposure and other hazards. Employers and employees should know the potential hazards in their workplaces and how to manage them.

Health Hazards

Sunlight contains ultraviolent (UV) radiation, which causes premature aging of the skin, wrinkles, cataracts and skin cancer. The amount of damage from UV exposure depends on the strength of the light, the length of exposure and whether the skin is protected.

There are no safe UV rays or safe suntans.

Skin Cancer

The number of skin cancer cases has increased in the United States. The three major types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.

Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolent (UV) rays appears to be the most important environmental factor in developing skin cancer. This makes skin cancer a largely preventable disease when sun protective practices and behaviors are consistently applied and utilized.

Who is at Risk?

Although anyone can get skin cancer, individuals with certain risk factors are particularly at risk. Some risk factors are:

 Lighter, natural skin color.

 A family history of skin cancer.

 A personal history of skin cancer.

 Constant exposure to the sun through work.

 A history of sunburns early in life.

 Skin that: burns, freckles, gets red easily or becomes painful in the sun.

 Those with blue or green eyes.

 Those with blonde, red or light brown hair.

 Those with certain types and/or large moles. Hot Weather Sun Protection | 3

UV radiation is also a factor in the development of lip cancer, making sun protection even more important. UV rays form artificial sources of light, such as tanning beds and large sun lamps, are just as dangerous as those from the sun, and should also be avoided.

Protection from UV Rays

In letters of interpretation, OSHA makes it clear that employers are responsible to provide employees who are overexposed to the sun’s radiation with protective equipment. Employers may also require protection such as wearing of hats, long sleeved shirts and long pants if necessary.

Employee Training

 There are no specific training requirements for employees working in the sun, however, the General Duty Clause would apply.

Training Tips

 Prior to training review the employee handout. List work areas or tasks that might expose employees to the risk of sun burn.

 Explain measures that the employer takes to prevent overexposure of employees.

 Explain how workers can examine themselves for changes in skin condition that would warrant medical attention.

For more information see:

29 CFR 1910:132(a)—Personal Protective Equipment, General Requirements

29 CFR 1910.151—Medical Services and First Aid

OSHA Fact Sheet - Working Outdoors Hot Weather Sun Protection | 4

Hot Weather Sun Protection Handout The hot summer months pose special hazards for outdoor workers who must protect themselves against heat, sun exposure and other heat related hazards. Employers and employees should know the potential hazards in their workplaces and how to manage them.

How Can It Hurt Me?

Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can cause premature aging of the skin, wrinkles, cataracts or skin cancer. The amount of damage from UV exposure depends on the strength of the light, the length of exposure and whether the skin is protected. There are no safe UV rays or safe suntans.

Be especially careful in the sun if you burn easily, spend a lot of time out of doors or have:

 Numerous, irregular or large moles.

 Freckles.

 Fair skin.

 Blond, red or light brown hair.

How Can I Protect Myself?

 Cover up by wearing tightly woven clothing that blocks out light.

 Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Follow the application directions on the container.

 Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect the neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose and scalp.

 Wear UV-absorbent sunglasses which block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation. Before you buy sunglasses read the product tag or label.

 Try to limit exposure to UV rays during the hours of 10:00 am and 4 PM. Take the shadow test—If your shadow is shorter than you are tall, the sun’s rays are at their strongest for that day.

Self-examination

Be alert to changes in your skin, especially spots that change in size, shape or color during a period of one month or as long as one or two years. Skin cancers which are detected early can almost always be cured. Hot Weather Sun Protection | 5

Skin cancers often take the following forms:

 Pale, wax-like, pearly nodules.

 Red, scaly, sharply outlined patches.

 Sores that do not heal.

 Small, mole-like growths—melanoma, the serious type of skin cancer.

If you find such unusual skin changes, see a health care professional immediately. Hot Weather Sun Protection | 6

Hot Weather Sun Protection Sign–Off Sheet

The employees of ______Company Name______, have taken part in a training session on Hot Weather Sun Protection. The session covered:

 The dangers of UV radiation.

 The time of day when UV radiation is the most dangerous.

 How to protect against the hazards of UV exposure.

 The type of sunscreen to select.

DATE OF TRAINING: FACILITY:

EMPLOYEE SIGNATURE PRINT NAME

______

Supervisor’s Signature