Working In The Sun

A Lovely day to work when the sun is out

When the sun is out glaring you think to yourself what a lovely day to work. Without thinking too much exposure to the sun can will effect your especially if you have not protected yourself, even when you see a tan line it shows that their has been damage to the skin. The problem is caused by the ultraviolet  rays in sunlight. People whose job keeps them outdoors for a long time, such as farm or construction workers, market gardeners, outdoor activity workers could get more sun on their skin than is healthy for them. People in these jobs could be at more risk to skin cancer. Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the UK with over 50,000 new cases every year.

Dangers of sun exposure

Even if you don’t think you have been in the sun that long it can produce blisters on your skin and areas of red which are signs of skin damage. When working in the sun all the time it can lead to the ageing of the skin making it leathery, mottled and wrinkled, but the most serious effect is an increased chance of developing skin cancer. Some medicines, contact with some chemicals used at work such as dyes, wood preservatives, coal-tar and pitch products, and contact with some plants, can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Managers responsible for employees who are required to work in the sun need to consider the risks as part of their risk assessment to make sure they have no problems in the future.

How to protect yourself from sun exposure while working

  • Make sure you keep your top on at all times even if its boiling ( Alot of workers like to take their top off )
  • Clothing made from close woven fabric, such as long sleeved work shirt and jeans stops most Ultraviolet rays.
  • Simply wearing a hat with a brim or a flap that covers the ears and the back of the neck. These areas are prone to burning.
  • Stay in the shade whenever possible, during your breaks and especially at lunch time.
  • Use a high factor sunscreen of at least SPF15 on any exposed skin.
  • Even if you think your safer with darker tanned skin you still need to apply sunscreen as you are still at risk from the Ultraviolet rays.
  • Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
  • Check your skin regularly for any unusual moles or spots. See a doctor promptly if you find anything that is changing in shape, size or color, itching or bleeding.
CategoryArticles

Providing Occupational Health & Health Surveillance to Cardiff , Swansea , Newport , Bridgend , Port Talbot , Neath , Pontypridd , Llantwit Major , Llanelli , Bristol & Many More Surrounding Areas

Call Now Button