UV Protection and Sunscreen Use

UV radiation from the sun is a Class 1 carcinogen that causes skin cancer in outdoor workers with cumulative exposure.
Construction workers are five to ten times more likely to develop skin cancer than indoor workers due to occupational UV exposure.
SPF 30 sunscreen blocks approximately 97% of UVB rays — higher SPF ratings offer only marginally more protection.
Sunscreen must be applied 20 minutes before exposure and reapplied every two hours, or immediately after heavy sweating.
The most commonly missed areas are ears, back of neck, lips, and the scalp on workers with thinning hair.
A hard hat alone does not protect the face, ears, or neck — additional protection such as a brim or neck flap is required.
Long-sleeved shirts and trousers provide better protection than sunscreen alone for sustained outdoor exposure.
UV radiation is present and harmful even on cloudy days — up to 80% of UV penetrates light cloud cover.
Workers should check their skin monthly for new or changing moles, non-healing sores, or unusual skin marks.
Providing sunscreen, hats, and shade is an employer responsibility — workers should not have to supply their own.

Occupational cancer	Skin cancer caused by workplace UV exposure is now recognised as an occupational disease — employers have a duty to protect workers.
Cumulative damage	Every unprotected day adds to the lifetime UV dose — by the time skin cancer appears, decades of damage have accumulated.
Cloudy day risk	UV radiation is not blocked by clouds — workers who only protect themselves on sunny days are exposed most of the time.

Do

Don't

Apply SPF 30 or higher sunscreen to all exposed skin 20 minutes before going outside.
Reapply sunscreen every two hours and immediately after heavy sweating.
Cover ears, back of neck, lips, and scalp — the most commonly missed areas.
Wear a hat with a brim or neck flap in addition to your hard hat.
Wear long sleeves and trousers when working outdoors during UV-intense months.
Apply sunscreen even on cloudy and overcast days — UV penetrates cloud cover.
Check your skin monthly for new moles, changing moles, or non-healing sores.
Take breaks in shaded areas during peak UV hours between 11am and 3pm.
Ask your employer to provide sunscreen and sun-protective clothing on site.
Wear UV-protective sunglasses to protect your eyes from cumulative UV damage.

DON'T work outdoors without sunscreen on all exposed skin from April to September.
DON'T apply sunscreen once and assume it lasts all day — reapply every two hours.
DON'T forget ears, neck, lips, and scalp — these areas are most vulnerable to UV damage.
DON'T rely on a hard hat alone — it does not protect your face, ears, or neck.
DON'T work bare-chested or in short sleeves during peak UV months.
DON'T assume cloudy days are safe — UV radiation penetrates cloud and still damages skin.
DON'T ignore new or changing skin marks — get them checked by your GP promptly.
DON'T spend breaks in direct sunlight — seek shade during the middle of the day.
DON'T buy your own sunscreen — your employer should provide it as part of site welfare.
DON'T dismiss sun protection as unnecessary — skin cancer kills construction workers.

See also: Sun and UV Exposure | Summer Heat and Hydration

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