Overview
Working outdoors in the sunlight can increase your risk of sunburn and skin cancer.
Ultraviolet (UV) rays are a part of sunlight that is an invisible form of radiation. UV rays can penetrate and change the structure of skin cells. There are three types of UV rays: ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB), and ultraviolet C (UVC). UVA is the most abundant source of solar radiation at the earth’s surface. UVA penetrates beyond the top layer of human skin. Scientists believe that UVA radiation can cause damage to connective tissue and increase a person’s risk for developing skin cancer. UVB rays penetrate less deeply into skin but can still cause some forms of skin cancer. Natural UVC rays do not pose a risk to workers because they are absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere.
Sunlight exposure is highest during the summer and between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Working outdoors during these times increases the chances of getting sunburned.
Snow and light-colored sand reflect UV light and increase the risk of sunburn. At work sites with these conditions, UV rays may reach workers’ exposed skin from both above and below.
Workers are at risk of UV radiation even on cloudy days.
Many drugs increase sensitivity to sunlight and the risk of getting sunburn, including
- Thiazides
- Diuretics
- Tetracycline
- Doxycycline
- Sulfa antibiotics
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen
Reducing risk
Employers
Employers can protect workers from sun exposure by:
- Scheduling outdoor work when there is less sunlight exposure.
- Providing shaded or indoor break areas.
- Training workers about sun exposure including:
- Their risk of exposure
- How to prevent exposure
- The signs and symptoms of overexposure
Workers
Workers can protect themselves from UV damage from sun exposure by:
- Wearing sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15.
- SPF refers to the amount of time that persons will be protected from a burn.
- An SPF of 15 will allow a person to stay out in the sun 15 times longer than they normally would be able to stay without burning.
- Sunscreen performance is affected by wind, humidity, perspiration, and proper application.
- Throwing away old sunscreens because they do not work as well after 1-2 years.
- Applying at least 1 ounce of sunscreen 20 minutes before sun exposure.
- Special attention should be given to covering the ears, scalp, lips, neck, tops of feet, and backs of hands.
- Reapplying sunscreens at least every 2 hours and each time you get out of the water or sweat heavily.
- You may need to apply sunscreen more frequently when also using insect repellents.
- Wearing appropriate clothing.
- Dark clothing with a tight weave is more protective than light-colored, loosely woven clothing.
- High-SPF clothing can provide more protection.
- Wearing wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses with almost 100% UV protection and with side panels to protect your eyes.
Treating a sunburn
Sunburn is a sign of skin damage from spending too much time outdoors without wearing sunscreen. Years of overexposure to the sun leads to premature wrinkling, age spots, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
Eyes can also get burned from sun exposure. Sunburned eyes become red, dry, and painful, and feel gritty. Chronic exposure of eyes to sunlight may cause:
- Pterygium (tissue growth that leads to blindness)
- Cataracts
- Macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness
Sunburns usually appear about 4 hours after sun exposure, worsen in 24-36 hours, and resolve in 3-5 days.
A worker with a sunburn may experience:
- Red, warm, and tender skin
- Swollen skin
- Blistering
- Headache
- Fever
- Nausea
- Fatigue
There is no quick cure for minor sunburn. Workers with sunburns should avoid further exposure to the sun until the burn has resolved.
If you have a sunburn, you can:
- Take a pain reliever to help with pain, headaches, and fever.
- Drink plenty of water to replace fluid losses.
- Take cool baths or apply cool wet cloths on the burned area.
- Apply a topical moisturizing cream, aloe, or 1% hydrocortisone cream.
If blistering occurs, lightly bandage or cover the area with cause to prevent infection. Broken blisters slow the healing process and increase the risk of infection.
When the blisters break and the skin peels, dried fragments may be removed. Apply an antiseptic ointment or hydrocortisone cream.
Seek medical attention if:
- Severe sunburns cover more than 15% of your body.
- You are dehydrated.
- You have a high fever (over 101°F).
- Extreme pain lasts longer than 48 hours.
