Why Sun Safety is Important

The sun not only illuminates our world, but also our bodies, increasing brain dopamine, increasing calcium for healthy bones and teeth, and reducing blood pressure. The sunshine that strikes our bodies has a terrible side, though, as it causes millions of casualties every year. Sun exposure and the development of skin cancer are associated in about 90% of cases.

Working outside exposes you to the sun, which might lead to overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation that can cause a variety of skin and eye health issues, including blindness, sunburn, skin cancer, and heat exhaustion brought on by sun exposure.

How risky is the sun

Because of the adverse effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, exposure to the sun can be dangerous for people. While some sun exposure is required for the synthesis of vitamin D, too much UV radiation can have negative health effects.

Sunburn, a painful and visible skin reaction to too much UV radiation, is one of the short-term effects of sun exposure. In addition to hastening the aging process of the skin, wrinkles, and sunspots, sunburn can also raise the possibility of skin cancer.

Long-term UV radiation exposure raises the risk of skin cancer, especially malignant, the most fatal type. Also, it can lead to additional skin issues like basal cell tumors, a frequent type of skin cancer, and actinic keratosis, a precancerous skin condition.

Sun exposure is the main cause of heat stress and skin cancer among outdoor jobs. Both conditions are more likely to affect outdoor workers. People frequently receive more sunburns than what is allowed at work. Compared to indoor employees, those who work outside have a risk of skin cancer up to 3.5 times higher. Heat stress is an important problem for outdoor workers, as is eye impairment from prolonged sun exposure. The good news is that skin cancer, eye damage from the sun, and heat stress are preventable.

Increase Sun Protection

Wearing protective clothing, hats that shade the face, ears, and back of the neck, sunglasses, and broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher are all examples of this. Increase the amount of shade available such as tents, shelters, and cooling stations. And Decrease UV reflection by covering bright or shiny surfaces. Minimizing exposure to sunlight at peak hours (between 10 am and 3 pm) is also a good option. Choose sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays to protect your eyes from sun damage.

How to Apply Sunscreens

Sunscreen can protect your skin against skin cancer. The majority of people who acquire sunburns either used insufficient amounts of sunscreen, neglect to reapply it after being in the sun or used an outdated product. Every time you step outside, even on overcast days and during the winter, your skin is exposed to the sun's damaging UV rays. Hence, make sure to use sunscreen whether you're on holiday or taking a quick fall stroll around your neighborhood. Apply thoroughly over clean, dry skin for at least 15 minutes before going outdoors. Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin, including your neck, face, ears, and all exposed parts of your feet and legs. Reapply sunscreen after every two hours outdoors and immediately after swimming.

Everyone, regardless of skin tone, is exposed to sun damage, and the risk rises with continued exposure to the sun. To avoid the damaging effects of UV radiation on your skin and eyes, it is crucial to practice sun protection precautions. And all workplaces should prioritize sun safety. Long-term exposure has too serious of a cost to overlook. These sun safety measures need to be continually highlighted.