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Guidelines for Outdoor Workers |
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- Outside jobs can sometimes be done inside or moved to a shady location. A temporary shelter can be erected or trees and buildings used for protection.
- A shady spot should be available for lunch and coffee breaks.
- Reorganize the job so tasks requiring outdoor work get done in the morning before 10 am and after 4 pm, to avoid the hours of greatest sun intensity.
- Wear protective clothing and cover the skin.
- Long-sleeved, closely-woven shirts and long trousers or skirts provide the best protection.
- Avoid clothes that you can see light through. If light is getting through, the ultraviolet radiation is getting through as well.
- If shorts are worn, a pair that approaches the knee will offer more protection than a shorter pair.
- A collar will protect the skin on the back of the neck.
- Wear a hat and sunglasses
- A hat will keep the sun off the face, neck and ears. It will also protect bald spots.
- Broad-brimmed hats are best. The brim should be at least 3 inches wide.
- If a lot of bending is required, have a flap on the back of the hat, which will keep the sun off the back of the neck.
- Hardhats can have a flap or extra brim fitted to them.
- Use sunglasses or safety glasses that filter out UV rays.
- Use an SPF 15 or higher sunscreen before going outdoors.
- Use a water-resistant sunscreen when working with water or when perspiring.
- Some substances increase the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. These include industrial chemicals such as asphalt and diphenyls, and some medications. A water-resistant sunscreen will help give protection when there is likely to be skin contact with these substances.
- Choose a gel, stick, or lotion form of sunscreen according to personal preference; no one form is more effective than another.
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours. If sweating freely, reapply more often.
- Make sure the face, lips, neck, ears, arms and back of the hands are protected.
- Ultraviolet radiation bounces off water, sand, concrete, light-colored surfaces and snow. People who work near these areas will need to take extra care.
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