As someone who has spent a lot of time working outdoors in the hot Las Vegas climate, I know firsthand the importance of protecting yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. Whether you’re a construction worker, or landscaper, or just enjoy spending time in your backyard, it’s crucial to take the necessary precautions to stay safe in the sun.
There are many hazards associated with sun exposure. For example, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with an estimated 5 million cases expected to be diagnosed in 2023. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), between 2012 and 2016, approximately 77,700 people were diagnosed each year with melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Sun exposure is the leading cause of skin cancer, and those who regularly work outdoors are particularly vulnerable to its harmful effects.
Every year, thousands of workers suffer from heat exhaustion and heat stroke due to prolonged exposure to hot outdoor temperatures. In 2019, a total of 43 workers passed away due to heat-related environmental exposure while working; this number is lower than the peak in 2011 but higher than all years except one between 2012 and 2018. Of those who died from 2011 to 2019, 57 were aged 55 – 64 (accounting for 16.6% of deaths). Tragically 144 individuals (41.9%) perished while performing construction, repair, or cleaning tasks; an additional 54 people lost their lives while engaged in materials handling operations (15.7%).
The CDC estimates that for the U.S. population as a whole, every year there are more than 700 heat-related deaths, 9,230 hospitalizations due to heat, and 67,500 visits to the emergency room due to heat. Not only are heat exhaustion and heat stroke dangerous to those working outdoors, but they can also lead to missed workdays and decreased productivity. With the summer months quickly approaching, it is important to know how to protect yourself from the sun while working outdoors.
Given the serious risks associated with sun exposure, it is essential that workers who spend time outdoors take the necessary precautions to protect themselves. In this article, I will provide some practical tips to help you stay safe when working in the sun.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing in a light color to reflect the sun’s rays and keep cool. Wearing the right clothing is crucial when working outside in the sun. Lightweight and loose-fitting clothing in a light color, such as white or beige, will help to reflect the sun’s rays and keep you cool. This is because light-colored clothing reflects more of the sun’s rays than darker clothing, which absorbs them. Loose-fitting clothing allows for air to circulate around your body, helping to keep you cool. It’s also important to wear clothing that covers as much skin as possible, to protect you from harmful UV rays.
- Use a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, neck, and ears from the sun’s rays. A wide-brimmed hat is a must when working outside in the sun. Not only does it protect your face from harmful UV rays, but it also protects your neck and ears. The skin on your face is particularly sensitive to the sun, and it’s also one of the areas that is most likely to be exposed to the sun’s rays. A wide-brimmed hat will provide more coverage than a baseball cap or visor, and it will also help to keep you cool. Look for hats made of breathable, lightweight materials, such as cotton or linen.
- Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to all exposed skin and reapply every 2 hours. Using sunscreen is an important step in protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. A sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 should be applied to all exposed skin, including the face, neck, and ears. Sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours, or more frequently if you’re sweating or swimming. Make sure to choose a sunscreen that is water-resistant, as well as one that provides broad-spectrum protection, which will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding drinks with caffeine or alcohol. Staying hydrated is crucial when working outside in the sun. The sun’s rays can dehydrate the body quickly, so it’s important to drink plenty of water. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol, as they can dehydrate the body even more. To stay hydrated, aim to drink at least 8-12 glasses of water per day, and more if you’re working in hot weather or if you’re sweating a lot. Signs of dehydration include thirst, dark urine, and feeling lightheaded.
- Take breaks in the shade when the sun is at its strongest (usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.). Taking breaks in the shade is an important aspect of protecting yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. When the sun is at its strongest, usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., it’s important to take a break in the shade. This will not only help to keep you cool, but it will also give your skin a break from the sun’s rays. It’s also a good idea to plan your work schedule around the sun’s schedule, if possible. For example, try to start your work earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon, when the sun’s rays are less intense.
- Use sunshades or umbrellas on construction sites or landscaping jobs. If you’re working on a construction site or in a landscaping job, consider using sunshades or umbrellas to provide some additional protection. This can be especially helpful for workers who are operating machinery or equipment that can create additional heat. Sunshades or umbrellas can be used to create a shaded area for workers to take breaks or for equipment to be operated in. They can also be used to provide protection for workers who are working in an open area, such as on a rooftop or in a field. This additional protection can help to reduce the risk of heat-related illness and provide a more comfortable working environment.
- Be aware of the signs of heat-related illness such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke. It’s important to be aware of the signs of heat-related illness when working outside in the sun. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are both serious conditions that can occur when the body becomes overheated. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and a rapid heartbeat. Symptoms of heat stroke include a high body temperature, red, hot, and dry skin, a rapid and strong pulse, and confusion or unconsciousness. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.
- Seek medical attention immediately if experiencing symptoms of heat-related illness. If you experience any symptoms of heat-related illness, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are both serious conditions that can be life-threatening if left untreated. If you or a co-worker experience symptoms of heat-related illness, call for emergency medical services immediately, and take steps to cool the person down, such as moving them to a shaded area, removing excess clothing, and applying cool compresses to their skin.
- Take extra precautions when operating machinery or equipment that can create additional heat. When operating machinery or equipment that can create additional heat, it’s important to take extra precautions. This includes things like wearing protective clothing, such as heat-resistant gloves, and taking frequent breaks to cool down. It’s also important to be aware of the signs of heat-related illness and to have a plan in place in case of emergency.
- Continuously monitor weather conditions and adjust safety measures accordingly. It’s important to continuously monitor weather conditions when working outside in the sun. This includes things like checking the forecast for high heat or UV index warnings, and adjusting safety measures accordingly. For example, if the forecast calls for high heat, it may be necessary to take more frequent breaks or to adjust the schedule to avoid working during the hottest part of the day. By monitoring weather conditions, you can take the necessary steps to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays and stay safe while working outside.
It is important to note that in addition to the above tips, it is also important to be aware of the specific hazards associated with the job and to be aware of the safety protocols and guidelines set by the employer. Employers have a legal obligation to provide a safe working environment and to ensure that employees are trained on the hazards associated with the job and how to mitigate them. This includes providing employees with appropriate personal protective equipment, such as UV-protective clothing, sunscreen, and eye protection, and ensuring that employees are trained on the safe use of equipment and machinery.
In summary, working outside in the sun can be a wonderful experience, but it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. By following the tips outlined above, you can enjoy your time in the sun safely and comfortably. Remember to wear the right clothing, use sunscreen, stay hydrated, take breaks, be aware of the signs of heat-related illness, and continuously monitor weather conditions to ensure that you are working safely in the sun.
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