Sun Safety

Why Be Sun Smart?

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which has a shorter wavelength than either visible blue or violet light, is responsible for sunburn and other adverse health effects including.  Most outdoor workers work when ultraviolet radiation or ‘UV’ is at its peak (between 10am and 4pm).

Tip: If your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun’s rays are at their peak and you are at risk to burn!

Being sun smart has many advantages, including:


Protects Health

Improves Safety


Increases Productivity

Allows for Early Detection

Reduces Injury and Sick Time


Demonstrates Caring and Compasssion

Employers and workers should work together to minimize sun exposure
and introduce protection strategies to reduce the chances of employees suffering from sun burn and heat related illnesses.


HEALTH EFFECTS OF THE SUN

Working in the heat can lead to accidents from slippery, sweaty palms, fogged glasses, sweat in eyes,
dizziness and fainting, and accidental contact with hot surfaces.

It can also seriously affect your health and damage your body.


SKIN CANCER

People who work outdoors are in one of the highest risk groups for skin cancer. They are more likely to develop skin cancer as a result of long term exposure to (UV) radiation from the sun's rays.

Make sure you do regular skin checks:

  • Normal moles are round or oval and have an even colour.
  • Atypical moles are usually a mix of browns, have a smudged border, and are often bigger than 5mm. You have an increased risk of Melanoma with these types of moles.
  • Melanoma is the most serious kind of skin cancer. Can spread quickly to other parts of your body and can be fatal, but curable if caught early enough.
  • Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer is rarely fatal but needs to be taken seriously so they don’t spread and cause other health problems.
  • Basal Cell Carcinomas are tumours of the skin that can appear as small fleshy bumps. They don’t grow quickly and rarely spread but can cause local damage. If left untreated my discharge pus or bleed.
  • Squamous Cell Carcinomas are tumours that may appear as nodules or red scaly patches. Common in fair skinned people. Can develop into large masses and can spread to other parts of the body.
  • Watch for raised red or pink scaly nodules or wart like growths that have pus in the centre. May develop on the edge of the ears, face, lips, mouth, hands and other exposed parts of the body.
  • Actinic Keratoses, sun-induced skin growths are pre-malignant.  Look for raised, reddish, rough textured growths.

HEAT DISORDERS

Heat Rash

Symptoms

  • Red blotchy skin
  • Extreme itchiness in areas persistently damp with sweat

Treatment

  • Staying in a cool environment, taking a cool shower and making sure to dry off thoroughly.
  • Wear loose and breathable clothing
  • Keep skin clean and pores unclogged

Sunburn

Symptoms

  • Red, painful, or blistering and peeling skin

Treatment

  • If the skin blisters, seek medical aid
  • Use skin lotions (avoid anesthetics and products that end in “caine”) and work in shade if possible
  • Aspirin may be taken orally to alleviate discomfort and decrease inflammation.

Heat Cramps

Heat cramps are always a dangerous sign because they can occur alone or with other major heat disorders. They can be caused by sweating heavily and replacing water but not salt.

Symptoms

  • Painful cramps of leg, arm or abdominal muscles
  • Hot moist skin

Treatment

  • Moving to a cool area to rest
  • Drink fluids
  • Massage cramped area
  • Loosen clothing

Heat Stress

Heat stress is the combination of heat that the worker is exposed to, the metabolic demands of the individual, environmental factors (i.e. air temperature, humidity, air movement, and radiant heat exchange) and clothing requirements.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion occurs from loss of body fluids and minerals.  If you have heat exhaustion and heat cramps, it is possible to go into a state of heat stroke.

Symptoms

  • headache, dizziness, nausea
  • heavy sweating, thirst
  • fatigue, restlessness
  • impaired judgement
  • loss of appetite
  • weak, rapid pulse
  • cool moist skin
  • low (to normal) blood pressure
  • blurred vision

Treatment

  • Get medical aid
  • Move to shaded area, or air conditioned place
  • Rest, or lay down
  • Loosen clothing
  • Drink water
  • Administer cool fluid

Heat exhaustion can lead to coma or death so it is important to take the above symptoms seriously!

Heat Stroke

Symptoms

  • Elevated body temperature of 40.5° C (105°F)
  • Hot, dry skin because sweating has stopped
  • Dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Rapid breathing
  • Weak pulse
  • Person is confused, semiconscious or unconscious.

Treatment

  • Seek medical attention immediately
  • Remove employee to cooler location, out of the sun
  • Loosen or remove clothing
  • Cool with water or wet sheets and fan for quick evaporation
  • Use cold compresses (head & neck, armpits and groin)

Tips for Avoiding Heat Stroke

  • Perform the heaviest work during the coolest part of the day.
  • Avoid eating large meals before working in hot environments
  • Avoid alcohol or beverages with caffeine.  These make the body lose water and increase the risk of heat illness.

Personal Risk Factors

  • Being Overweight
  • Poor physical condition
  • Previous heat illness
  • Age (especially elderly)
  • Diabetics
  • Heart disease or high blood pressure
  • Recent illness
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Medication
  • Having difficulty getting used to temperature changes

Dehydration

Heavy and prolonged sweating causes the loss of water and electrolytes from the body.  A loss of only 1% of total body water can alter the body’s ability to stay cool. With heavy sweating or prolonged sweating you also loose electrolytes, particularly sodium.  This can seriously threaten the ability of the myocardium (muscle of your heart) to maintain its rhythm.  It can also affect your GI tract and skeletal muscles.

Do not rely on thirst

Thirst is not usually sensed until dehydration is already established.  Even people well experienced with heat strain often fail to drink enough water to regain full hydration.

Symptoms

  • Checking the colour of your urine is a fast and simple way of assessing hydration status
  • Pale yellow urine usually indicates adequate hydration
  • Dark yellow urine can indicates a certain level of dehydration
  • How often you have to urinate may also indicate one’s hydration status.

So what should I drink?

Try and drink small amounts of water often.  This will be more effective in keeping you hydrated as opposed to drinking large amounts of water infrequently.

Workers working in very hot environments for long periods of time may consider drinking a fluid containing electrolytes to replace those lost, like a sports drink, or very lightly salted water (1/4 teaspoon to a quart of water).  You may also consider very lightly salting your food.

Photosensitizing Drugs and Conditions

There are certain drugs that make your skin and eyes more sensitive to light or make you more susceptible to harm from the sun/heat, including:

  • Some pain killers
  • Diuretics (water pills)
  • Antibiotics
  • Blood pressure medication
  • Antihistamine
  • Some herbal remedies

There are also certain diseases, like lupus that can make you more sensitive to the sun.
It is your responsibility to check with your doctor and pharmacist.

PROTECTION

Ultraviolet Radiation

There are two types of harmful rays, UVA and UVB rays.
Together, these rays are the primary cause of sunburn and skin cancer.

Exposure to UVA and UVB rays can suppress the immune system.

Since your skin is your first line of defense, help protect yourself by applying sunscreen and wearing protective apparel every time you go outside!

Sunglasses

Many scientific studies indicate that prolonged sun exposure can damage your eyes and lead to cataracts, damage to your retinas and growths on your eye (including cancer). It is therefore recommended that you wear 95% and above UV-absorbent sunglasses and a wide brim hat when you are exposed to the sun for long periods of time.

Things to consider when choosing sunglasses:

  • Look for sunglasses that block 95-100% of all UV light.
  • The colour and degree of darkness of a lens TELLS YOU NOTHING ABOUT THE LENSES UV PROTECTION.  Be sure and check!
  • Mirror finishes do not fully protect against UV rays. Transition lenses may not be appropriate for working.

Did you know…?

If you see a label that says “UV absorption up to 400 nm” this means the same as “100% UV absorption”. No lens is truly unbreakable, but plastic lenses are less likely to shatter when hit by an object (ball, stone etc.)  Polarized lenses work to cut reflective glare from surfaces such as pavement, water, and or snow.  These types of lenses will be particularly useful for driving, fishing etc. Studies have shown that enough UV rays enter around normal frames to damage the eye.  In order to protect your eyes choose a wrap around style or those with side shields to protect your eyes from all angles.


Clothing

What your wearing can influence your exposure.

Most clothing absorbs or reflects UV rays.  White fabric, like loose-knit cotton or wet clothes does not offer much protection. An average white cotton t-shirt offers and SPF between 3 and 9. Clothing that has a tight weave is best at protecting your skin from the sun.  There is also clothing that you can buy from most outdoor stores that is specially treated for sun protection.

Sunscreen / Sunblock

What is the difference between sunblock and sunscreen ?

  • Sunblock is different than sunscreen.
  • A sunblock will scatter and reflect as well as physically block UV radiation.  (zinc oxide)
  • A sunscreen will absorb the UV rays and prevent penetration through the skin.
  • Both offer adequate protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays!

How does sunscreen work?

Sunscreen works by blocking or absorbing ultraviolet light.  All sunscreens have an SPF factor or Sun Protection Factor. This acts as a multiplying factor. For example if you would normally be okay in the sun for 10 minutes without  burning/causing damage and you apply an SPF 10, you would be okay in the sun for 100* minutes. When this time runs out you are no longer protected regardless of whether you continue to reapply.

***IMPORTANT***
Sunscreens have expiration dates.  An expired product will not offer proper SPF protection

Tips for Applying Sunscreen / Sunblock

  • Regardless of skin type, a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 should be used year round.
  • If you know you will be working in the sun for extended hours, apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater as higher SPF factors protect for a longer period of time.
  • Apply sunscreen even on cloudy days as 80% of the sun’s harmful UV rays  pass through the clouds.
  • Sunscreen should be applied to dry skin 15-30 minutes BEFORE going outdoors.
  • Apply sunscreen liberally.  One ounce (enough to fill a shot glass) of sunscreen is considered the amount needed to cover the exposed areas.
  • Areas of particular attention are the face especially the nose and lips, ears, hands, behind the knee, back of the neck, hands, feet and arms as these are considered high risk areas and are most often exposed.
  • Sunscreen should be applied every 2 hours or after perspiring heavily since sunscreens rub and wash off.

Deet and Sunscreen/Sunblock

It is safe to use DEET and sunscreen simultaneously to avoid insects when outdoors. However, sunscreens containing DEET should NOT be applied. Instead, apply your sunscreen FIRST followed by a repellent containing DEET.

What is PABA?

  • PABA (Para-amino benzoic acid) is an ingredient (dye) that is found in most sunscreens that absorbs ultraviolet light.
  • PABA allergies are due to its acidic nature.  Those who have sensitive skin should use a PABA-free sunscreen.

HEAT ILLNESS PREVENTION STRATEGIES

Periodic rest breaks

Frequent fluid intake

Rotation of workers

Clothing and Hats

Sunglasses

Sunscreen
(SPF 30 +)

Shade

Mechanical aids (in place of  physical effort)

 Train supervisors and employees to:

Identify symptoms of heat disorders and the appropriate prevention measures

Properly wear/apply protective equipment

Management/Supervisor Responsibilities

  • Ensure employees who are working in hot environments take necessary precautions.
  • Implement a written sun safety policy.
  • Monitor for signs and symptoms of heat disorders in employees.
  • Ensure the employees are following the guidelines of the policy.
  • Adjust work practices as necessary when employees complain of heat stress.
  • Monitor the workplace to determine when hot conditions arise.
  • Determine whether workers are drinking enough water and ensure that it is available.
  • Determine a proper work/rest regimen.
  • Provide first-aid training for workers.

Workers Responsibilities

  • Follow instructions and training for controlling heat stress.
  • Be alert to symptoms in yourself and others.
  • Avoid consumption of alcohol, illegal drugs, and excessive caffeine.
  • Determine whether any prescription medications you’re required to take can increase heat stress.
  • Get adequate rest and sleep.
  • Drink small amounts of water regularly to maintain fluid levels and avoid dehydration.

It is everyone’s responsibility to protect themselves from the hazards of working in the sun.
All parties should work together to promote a safe work environment.

References

Sun Hazards References (link broken?)