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For outdoor workers, sun protection is extremely important in the summer months. Industries like construction and building require projects to continue even in extreme heat, so workers need to know how to stay protected.
This blog covers our top 5 sun protection tips for outdoor workers. So, if you’re a field worker, keep reading to see how you can stay protected.
Sun protection is very important if you are someone who works outside regularly. As an outdoor worker, you are exposing yourself to more ultraviolet (UV) radiation than the average indoor worker.
When your skin is exposed to UV radiation, it produces more melanin as a defence mechanism. This increase in melanin, which causes tanning, is a sign that your skin has been damaged by the sun.
Do you know how to reduce health risks when working outdoors in the sun? Let’s get into our Sun Protection Tips.
Sunscreen should be worn every day, even when it’s cloudy or cool, because ultraviolet (UV) rays can still penetrate through clouds and damage the skin.
Check the UV index to decide which strength of sunscreen to wear. Use a sunscreen with at least SPF 15, and reapply it every two hours or more frequently if sweating or swimming.
When choosing sunscreen, check the details on the bottle before purchasing. If you choose a sun protection factor (SPF) any lower than 15; you will not be protected from UVB.
Another clue is the letters “UVA” in a logo with at least four stars beneath it on the bottle. Also, check the expiry date on the sunscreen before applying to make sure it hasn’t passed its shelf life.
When applying sunscreen, make sure to apply enough and to cover overexposed areas of your skin. If you are in shorts and you need to cover your whole body, apply around two tablespoons of sunscreen.
If you are just covering your arms, neck and face, two teaspoons should be enough. You can always apply more if you feel that it isn’t working effectively. Don’t forget those easily missed spots such as the ears, nose and toes.
You should apply sunscreen around 30 minutes before going out in the sun and reapply regularly, especially if you are sweating.
Whenever possible, take your breaks in shaded or covered areas rather than staying in direct sunlight.
The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are strongest between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, so try to schedule the most sun-exposed tasks for earlier or later in the day to reduce your UV exposure.
Using natural shade (trees), shelter (tents, umbrellas, or shade cloths), or even taking breaks inside a vehicle or building can help reduce your overall exposure.
Regular shade breaks not only protect your skin but also help prevent dehydration and heat stress, keeping you safer and more productive throughout the day.
It can be difficult for outdoor workers to select protective clothing to wear without causing a hazard to their role. Take a look below at the clothing you should consider to increase sun protection:
Exposure to high temperatures and direct sunlight increases the risk of dehydration, which can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke—both of which are serious health risks.
Make sure to drink water regularly throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Thirst is a late sign of dehydration, so it’s best to drink small amounts often.
The UV Index is a daily indicator of how strong the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are in your area. The higher the number, the greater the risk of skin and eye damage, and the more important it is to take extra precautions.
Check the UV Index every morning using a weather app, website, or local forecast.
A UV Index of 3 or higher means you need sun protection.
Outside workers have a significantly higher risk of skin cancer in comparison to other occupations, due to increased and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
It’s important to check your skin regularly for any unusual spots or moles. If you do come across something that is changing in size or colour and has started to itch or bleed, see your doctor as soon as possible.
The sun and skin cancer should not be taken lightly; some people are more at risk than others and need to take extra care. Those who tend to burn rather than tan, such as people with pale skin or are rarely in the intense sun need to be careful. Also, those who have a lot of moles and freckles have a higher risk of getting skin cancer.
If you fall under those categories, you need to keep an eye on your body after being exposed to sunlight. It is much easier to treat skin cancer when it is spotted early.
Sun exposure can have many negative effects on the body, especially when it is excessive or prolonged. Take a look at some of the effects of too much exposure to the sun:
Sun damage to your eyes – Ultraviolet light from the sun can damage the retina which is the back of the eye.
Heat exhaustion – This can be caused by excessive sweating, which can occur if you don’t take care as an outdoor worker.
Sunburn – Too much sun exposure will cause sunburn; its symptoms usually only appear around four or five hours after.
Wrinkles – Ultraviolet (UV) light damages the skin’s elastic tissue and collagen, leading to wrinkles and premature ageing.
Skin cancer – This is the most serious consequence of long-term sun exposure. The risk of getting this increases with age, as sun damage to the skin develops over the years.
There are a number of safety hazards that can occur when you are a construction worker in the hot summer months. Take a look below at some summer safety hazards and what you can do to help avoid them.
Physical labour in hot conditions can accelerate fluid loss from the body, decreasing hydration levels and increasing the risk of health and safety issues. To prevent this, it’s important to have hydrating fluids—especially plenty of water, readily available on hot days. When drinks are easily accessible, you’re more likely to stay hydrated while working.
Covering your skin while working outdoors not only protects against short-term sun damage like sunburn but also reduces the risk of developing skin cancer. Wearing UV-protective clothing and keeping your skin covered helps lower the chances of both immediate and long-term harm.
Fatigue, especially in hot weather, can easily happen as an outdoor worker. If you are mentally or physically fatigued on site, it is important to take action. Ensure workload is manageable, speak up if you are feeling fatigued and use technology or machinery wherever possible to reduce the amount of strain that is put on the body.
Fatigue can lead to reduced concentration, slower reaction times, poor decision-making, and an increased risk of accidents or injury. If you notice someone showing signs of fatigue, it’s important to report it to a supervisor or management to help ensure their safety and the safety of others on site.
In hot conditions, it is important to look out for the signs of heat-related illness. Heat-related illness can make individuals feel disorientated, confused, nauseous, or extremely fatigued — and if left untreated, it can lead to serious health risks such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
It is so important to be aware of these signs because working on-site with machinery and tools can be dangerous when not being fully aware of what you are dealing with.
Overall, small habits such as applying sunscreen correctly, wearing UV-protective clothing, taking shade breaks and staying hydrated can make a big difference to your health.
These simple steps not only help prevent immediate issues like sunburn and heat exhaustion but also protect you from long-term risks such as premature ageing and skin cancer.
Recently updated: 27th August 2025
Original publish date: 10th May 2019
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