How to Protect Outdoor Workers From the Sun With Skin Safety
How to Protect Outdoor Workers From the Sun With Maximum Skin Protection
Working outdoors in the sun can be dangerous, especially without the proper protection. Sunscreen and hats are not enough, and workers must wear sun-protective clothing. This clothing helps protect workers from the sun's harmful UV rays. Choosing clothing with a high UPF rating is important to ensure maximum protection.
Apart from this, you should also use The Trade Shade. You can set it up anywhere and set it up quickly to stay safe from the sun and rain. The Trade Shade is a magnetic umbrella holder made for tradies who work outdoors. It is easy to set up and carry. It can protect you from the sun and the rain by giving you a proper shade.
Here Are More Tips to Stay Protected From the Sun While Working Outdoors
1. Wear Protective Clothing
When working outside in the sun, it is essential to wear clothing covering the skin. This will help protect workers from UV rays. Sunscreen and sunglasses are also necessary for protection. Sunscreen should be worn when working outside in the sun.
Protective clothing should fit snugly to provide maximal coverage from the sun. Wearing protective clothing can avoid burns and long-term skin damage.
2. Use Protective HeadGear
Protective headgear is used in many industries to protect workers from injury. Long brimmed hats and helmets effectively protect the head and face from the sun. Accessories, such as ear muffs and neck protection, can be fitted underneath hard hats to provide additional protection.
And even with protective headgear, you should use some sunscreen.
3. Provide Quality Shade
One of the most important ways to protect workers' health is to provide them with quality shade. Shades can help workers escape the damaging effects of the sun, and management should encourage their employees to take breaks in shaded areas. Additionally, employers should minimise contact with photosensitizing substances, harming workers' health.
Portable shade umbrellas are a great way to protect outdoor workers from the sun. They can be moved easily from one work area to another, providing quality shade for the workers.
And while considering a portable shade umbrella, you can check The Trade Shade. You can set it up at any angle, on almost any surface. This small umbrella holder fits in any toolbag and is very lightweight.
But do not let the size fool you; this magnetic umbrella holder has a pull force of 50kg and will fit any umbrella to provide you shade anytime, anywhere.
4. Encourage SPF Use
Although it is not required, employees should still use sun protection. Distributing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher can help protect the face, ears, neck, and hands. Providing sufficient breaks to allow workers to reapply sunscreen throughout their shifts will help keep them safe from the sun.
5. Teach Sun Safety
Sun safety is a serious but preventable health hazard for employees. According to the National Cancer Institute, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and it’s estimated that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Employers can help reduce the risk of skin cancer and other injuries by implementing policies and taking simple steps, such as providing information about sun safety during orientation or workplace wellness programs.
6. Change Work Schedules
You can also change your work schedule to stay away from the sun. It is tricky for tradies, especially if you are doing outdoor work. But if possible, try to shift the work to later in the day to avoid the sun.
What to Do if Your Employer Isn’t Taking Sun Safety Seriously?
If you're an outdoor worker and your employer isn't taking sun safety seriously, there are a few things you can do. First, speak with your health and safety representative to see if the company has an official sun protection program.
If not, Cancer Council Australia provides clear guides for employers and employees, both on adequate sun protection. Finally, it's important to remember that it's in everyone's best interest for companies to have these programs - they protect workers from developing skin cancer, which is dangerous and costly to treat.
Why is Sun Safety Important in Australia?
Australians have one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. This is primarily due to our exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Ultraviolet radiation can cause sunburn, skin damage, eye damage, and cancer. To reduce your risk of developing skin cancer, you should be aware of the dangers of UV radiation and take steps to protect yourself from it.
FAQ
How can you protect yourself from the sun when working outside?
When working outdoors, wear a long-sleeved shirt and apply water resistance sunscreen and sunglasses. You should do everything to avoid UV rays. Try to stay in the shade whenever possible. Eat your lunches in the shade too.
Do employers have to provide sun cream?
Employers do not need to provide sun cream but should provide sun protection training and advice.
Are 2 hours in the sun too much?
You can easily stay under the sun for 1 hour, even between 10 am to 3 pm. This should not hurt most people. But people with sensitive skin may get some burns.
Is any sun exposure safe?
Some form of sun exposure is safe for a short period. However, the two main types of UV rays are UVA and UVB. Both are dangerous, and UVB rays are more susceptible to causing skin cancer.
How long is it safe to be in the sun?
If you do not have sensitive skin, 20 minutes to 1 hour under the sun should not cause any damage. But to be safe, go for 5-10 minutes of sun exposure at a time.
What do you do if you work in the sun all day?
If possible, avoid hard labor during the peak sun hours. Keep yourself hydrated, and if possible, move your workspace under some shade. Wear long-sleeved clothes and apply water resistance sunscreen.
How do I take care of my skin when I work outside?
When working outside, you should always apply sunscreen all over your face, neck, and arms. You should also wear long sleeves, a hat, and eyeglasses.
Conclusion
When working on outdoor jobs, protect yourself from the sun. You should follow the tips mentioned in this blog to protect yourself all the time from the sun.
If you are doing outdoor work frequently, you should consider The Trade Shade, which will protect you from the sun.
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