WorkSafe Saskatchewan expands sun safety resources

New free course aims to helps protect outdoor workers

Regina, Sask., June 17, 2026 – As temperatures climb during summer and extreme heat warnings are a potential threat, WorkSafe Saskatchewan is encouraging workers and employers to make sun safety part of their plan for outdoor work. According to Sun Smart Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan has the second highest number of workers exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation on the job per capita in Canada. WorkSafe Saskatchewan, the partnership between the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board and the Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety, is working with Sun Smart Saskatchewan to provide free online training and resources to help workers and employers increase awareness and reduce the risks of sun exposure on the job.

“Outdoor work is essential in Saskatchewan, but it can also expose workers to hazards that can have serious long-term health effects,” said Kevin Mooney, the WCB’s vice-president of prevention and employer services. “Employers can reduce the risks for outdoor workers by educating workers, implementing appropriate controls, while workers can contribute by following safe work procedures and using protective equipment.”

Workers who spend time outdoors may experience exposed to UV radiation, heat and other environmental conditions that can affect their health and safety. UV radiation can cause sunburn, skin damage, skin cancer, cataracts and other eye conditions. Outdoor workers are also at risk of heat stress.

WorkSafe offers a comprehensive suite of resources on its website focusing on sun safety, including:

  • Sun safety video series: Sun Smart Saskatchewan’s short videos offer practical guidance for workers and employers on reducing exposure to UV radiation and heat.
  • Safety talks: Ready-to-use safety meeting guides focused on UV radiation and heat stress on the job.
  • Fact sheets, posters and guides: Practical guidance on work scheduling and shade structures, protective equipment and clothing, proper sunscreen application and heat illness prevention.

WorkSafe has partnered with Sun Smart Saskatchewan to offer a free online course, Safe Crews Work Sun Smart, available at worksafesask.ca. This course focuses on protecting outdoor workers in Saskatchewan from the harmful effects of sun exposure while on the job. This training provides basic, practical information about solar UV radiation, how it affects outdoor workers and best practices to reduce UV exposure at work. Employers can assign the free Safe Crews Work Sun Smart course before crews begin outdoor work, helping workers build awareness from day one. To take the free online sun safety course, visit worksafesask.ca/courses/safe-crews-work-sun-smart.

According to Sun Smart Saskatchewan, exposure to UV radiation from the sun or artificial tanning sources causes 90 per cent of skin cancers. Outdoor workers are 2.5 to 3.5 times more likely than indoor workers to receive diagnoses of skin cancer. All outdoor occupations have the potential for exposures, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, construction, mining, and oil and gas extraction. Protection is especially important when the UV index is three or higher.

“Skin cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer, and workplace prevention matters,” said Dr. Jasmine Hasselback, public health and preventive medicine physician and chair of Sun Smart Saskatchewan. “When workers protect their skin and eyes, seek shade, cover up and take steps to reduce UV radiation exposure, they can lower their risk while working outdoors.”

WorkSafe is encouraging workers and employers to focus on sun safety practices, including:

  • Cover up: Choose protective clothing, head protection and eye protection. Lightweight clothing that covers as much skin as possible is best.
  • Protect your head and face: Wear a broad-brimmed hat where possible to shade your face, ears and neck.
  • Use sunscreen properly: Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
  • Protect your eyes: Wear safety glasses, sunglasses or prescription lenses with UV protection.
  • Seek shade: Use shade where possible and take breaks in shaded areas.
  • Plan work safely: Schedule work to reduce exposure during peak sun hours which are typically 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Check the UV index, schedule more exposed tasks earlier in the morning or later in the day if possible and drink water regularly.

“Outdoor work keeps Saskatchewan moving, but no one should have to put their long-term health at risk to do their job,” said Gord Dobrowolsky, WCB chair. “These new resources will help workers and employers take practical steps to reduce exposure to UV radiation and heat and make outdoor work safer across Saskatchewan.”

For more workplace sun safety information and resources, visit worksafesask.ca/nextgenprevention/sun-safety.

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Media contact:

For more information, contact:

Lisa Goudy
Interim Director, Communications
Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board
lgoudy@wcbsask.com