NEW YORK (August 1, 2025) — August marks one of the most dangerous months of the year for outdoor workers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Factors like heat stress, longer workdays and increased construction activity contribute to a rise in injuries during summer months. A safety hazard that is often overlooked for outdoor workers is their increased risk for developing skin cancer. Exposure to UV radiation while at work raises a person’s risk of nonmelanoma skin cancers by 60 percent. Nearly one in three deaths from nonmelanoma skin cancer is related to exposure associated with working outdoors, according to research conducted by the World Health Organization and the International Labor Organization. Of these deaths, 65 percent of people were male, mostly older men whose skin had been damaged by years of chronic UV exposure while on the job. Additionally, in the U.S., about 50 percent of outdoor workers reported getting sunburn, according to a survey by the American Academy of Dermatology. A person’s risk for melanoma doubles if a person has had more than five sunburns.
“Sun damage is cumulative, so people who spend hours working outside every day are at a higher risk for developing skin cancer,” says Deborah S. Sarnoff, MD, president of The Skin Cancer Foundation. “It is imperative that outdoor workers practice rigorous sun protection while on the job. The Skin Cancer Foundation also recommends that employers take steps to educate the workforce about the dangers of sun exposure and support sun-safe habits in the working environment whenever possible.”
Video statement from Deborah S. Sarnoff, MD, president of The Skin Cancer Foundation
UV risks associated with outdoor work impact a large portion of the public. Globally, 1.6 billion people are exposed to UV radiation while working outdoors — roughly 28 percent of all people of working age. In the U.S., nearly 45 million people are exposed to the outdoors as a regular part of their job. The Skin Cancer Foundation advises that these workers should take precautionary measures to help them prevent this disease.
When not diagnosed and treated early, skin cancer can be locally destructive and, in some cases, metastasize (spread) or even become fatal. But there is good news: Skin cancer is often preventable. While working under the sun is unavoidable for many, outdoor workers can make efforts to keep their skin safe throughout the workday. Those whose professions mandate that they are outside for part of the day should ensure that they are protecting themselves from the sun’s harmful rays. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that outdoor workers:
- Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher to all skin not covered by clothing, including hands.
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours or more often if heavily sweating or swimming.
- Cover up with clothing made of dark, tightly woven fabrics. When possible, choose clothing certified with an ultraviolet protection factor (known as UPF) of 50 or higher.
- Wear a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV-protective lenses.
- Take breaks indoors or in a shady spot, especially during peak sun hours from 10 AM to 4 PM.
The Skin Cancer Foundation also recommends that employers provide access to areas shaded by tents, awnings or trees during the workday. The Foundation suggests that employers provide training for their workforce about the dangers of unprotected UV exposure. If employees are required to wear uniforms, management can consider choosing tightly woven, long-sleeved shirts and pants, and allow employees to wear sun-protective hats and sunglasses.
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that everyone see a dermatologist at least once a year for a professional skin exam. Outdoor workers who have experienced extensive sun damage might be instructed by their physicians to have their skin examined more frequently. Outdoor workers should also examine their own skin from head to toe every month, looking for anything new, changing or unusual.
About The Skin Cancer Foundation
The Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, saves and improves lives by empowering people to take a proactive approach to daily sun protection and the early detection and treatment of skin cancer. The Foundation delivers public education programs, provides patients with guidance and reassurance, engages medical professionals, awards research grants and leads advocacy campaigns that call for policy changes. As a service to consumers, SCF grants its industry-recognized Seal of Recommendation to products that meet its criteria for safe and effective sun protection. SCF also operates Destination Healthy Skin, a program that works with local dermatologists in communities around the U.S. to provide free skin cancer screenings to those in need. Since its inception in 1979, the Foundation has recommended regular skin exams and following a complete sun protection strategy that includes seeking shade, using sunscreen daily and covering up with clothing, hats and sunglasses. SkinCancer.org.
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