Sun exposure and heat safety

UV radiation overexposes the skin and causes sunburn. The amount of time it takes to burn varies from person to person, but any sunburn means the skin has already been damaged.

A tan is also a sign of skin damage. There is no healthy tan.

Signs of sunburn

• red or tender skin
• pain or warmth
• swelling
• blistering in more serious cases

Other skin and eye damage

UV radiation can also cause:

• premature aging of the skin
• wrinkles, leathery skin and dark spots
• damage to the eyes
• cataracts and other eye conditions

Workers can also receive sun exposure on cloudy days. Clouds do not remove the risk and some surfaces can reflect UV radiation back onto the body.

Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. It is the most common cancer in Canada and one of the most preventable.

For workers who spend time outside, sun exposure is a serious occupational hazard. Outdoor workers are 2.5 to 3.5 times more likely to develop skin cancer than indoor workers.

Types of skin cancer

The main types of skin cancer are:

• basal cell carcinoma
• squamous cell carcinoma
• melanoma

Melanoma is less common than non-melanoma skin cancers, but it is the most dangerous because it is more likely to spread to other parts of the body if not found early.

Why exposure matters

UV radiation damages skin cells and DNA. The body can repair some damage, but not all of it. Over time, repeated exposure can lead to permanent changes in the skin and increase the risk of cancer.

Risk factors for workers

Anyone can develop skin cancer, but risk may be higher for workers who:

• spend a lot of time outdoors
• burn easily
• have fair or freckled skin
• have blond or red hair and light-coloured eyes
• have many moles
• have a personal or family history of skin cancer
• take medication that increases sensitivity to the sun

People with darker skin can also develop skin cancer. In some cases, it is found later, which can lead to more serious outcomes.

Workers who spend time outdoors may also be at risk of heat stress. Heat stress happens when the body can no longer regulate its temperature properly.

Heat stress can lead to serious health problems, including:

• heat rash
• heat cramps
• heat exhaustion
• heat stroke

Heat stroke is a medical emergency and can cause permanent injury or death.

What increases the risk

Heat stress risk can increase because of:

• high air temperature
• humidity
• direct sun exposure
• heavy physical work
• limited airflow
• dehydration
• clothing or personal protective equipment that traps heat
• lack of acclimatization
• some medical conditions or medications

The humidex is one way to understand how hot conditions may feel. As heat and humidity rise together, the body has a harder time cooling itself through sweating.

Signs and symptoms

Heat cramps

• painful cramps in the arms, legs, stomach or chest

Heat exhaustion

• heavy sweating
• cool, pale or moist skin
• weakness or fatigue
• dizziness or fainting
• nausea or vomiting
• intense thirst
• headache
• blurred vision
• body temperature above 38 C

Heat stroke

• body temperature above 40 C
• hot, red skin
• confusion
• unusual behaviour
• headache or dizziness
• fast pulse
• fainting or convulsions

Call an ambulance right away if you suspect you or another worker is suffering from heat stroke.

Workers should use as many protective measures as possible. These controls work best when combined.

Cover up

Clothing usually provides better protection than sunscreen alone.

• Wear lightweight clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
• Long sleeves and long pants provide better protection.
• Darker, tightly woven fabrics generally protect better than lighter fabrics.
• Dry clothing protects better than wet clothing.

Protect your head and face

• Wear a broad-brimmed hat when possible.
• If you wear a hard hat, use a brim attachment or neck flap.
• Choose head protection that shades the face, ears and neck.

Use sunscreen properly

Use sunscreen on skin that is not covered by clothing.

Choose sunscreen that is:

• broad spectrum
• SPF 30 or higher
• water resistant

Apply it generously and reapply it regularly, especially when sweating. Lip balm with SPF can also help protect exposed skin.

Protect your eyes

• Wear safety glasses, sunglasses or prescription lenses with UV protection.
• Look for lenses labelled UV400 or 100 per cent UV protection.
• Close-fitting eyewear can provide better coverage.

Seek shade

Shade can reduce exposure to ultraviolet radiation and also help workers stay cooler.

• Take breaks in shaded areas when possible.
• Use tents, canopies, tarps or other shade structures.
• Remember that reflected UV radiation can still reach you under shade, so you still need other protection.

Plan work safely

• Check the UV Index and weather forecast before starting outdoor work.
• Where practical, schedule more exposed tasks earlier in the morning or later in the day.
• Rotate tasks when possible.
• Drink water regularly.
• Take breaks before symptoms begin.
• Ask about your employer’s procedures for UV radiation and heat exposure.

Workers should tell a supervisor right away if they notice signs of sunburn, heat illness or other symptoms related to outdoor exposure.

Get medical attention when:

• sunburn is severe or blistering
• a worker feels faint, confused or unusually weak
• vomiting, severe headache or blurred vision develops
• heat cramps do not improve
• you suspect heat exhaustion
• you suspect heat stroke

Emergency response

Call 911 or get emergency medical help right away if a worker:

• has a body temperature above 40 C
• becomes confused or disoriented
• collapses
• has a seizure
• stops sweating and has hot, dry skin
• is difficult to wake or unresponsive

While waiting for help:

• move the worker to a cooler or shaded area
• loosen clothing
• apply cool, wet cloths
• offer water only if the worker is alert and able to drink safely