OCC/Physical Health/TBT-OCC-007

Sun and UV Exposure

Occupational Health › Physical Health › Sun and UV Exposure

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Construction workers receive five to ten times more UV radiation exposure than indoor workers due to outdoor work throughout the year.
UV radiation from the sun causes sunburn, premature skin ageing, and skin cancer — the risk increases with cumulative lifetime exposure.
Non-melanoma skin cancer rates are significantly higher among construction workers, particularly those in outdoor trades.
UV radiation is present even on cloudy and overcast days — up to 80% of UV passes through light cloud cover.
The UV index is highest between April and September in the UK, with peak exposure between 11am and 3pm.
Exposed skin areas including the face, ears, neck, forearms, and hands are most vulnerable to UV damage.
Sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30 and UVA protection must be applied to exposed skin and reapplied every two hours.
Wearing a hat with a brim or neck flap, long sleeves, and UV-protective clothing reduces skin exposure significantly.
Certain medications including some antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs increase skin sensitivity to UV radiation.
Workers should be encouraged to check their skin regularly for new or changing moles, sores that do not heal, or unusual marks.

Skin cancer	Construction workers have significantly elevated rates of skin cancer — cumulative UV exposure over a career causes the damage.
Invisible damage	UV radiation damages skin cells before you feel sunburn — by the time your skin is red, DNA damage has already occurred.
Year-round risk	UV is present from early spring through autumn and penetrates cloud — sun protection is needed from April to September, not just in heatwaves.

Don't

DON'T work outdoors without sunscreen applied to all exposed skin.
DON'T assume one application of sunscreen lasts all day — reapply every two hours.
DON'T work bare-chested — exposed torsos receive intense UV radiation.
DON'T rely on a hard hat alone — it does not protect ears, neck, or face.
DON'T ignore peak UV hours — take shade breaks between 11am and 3pm.
DON'T dismiss new moles or skin changes — check them and report concerns.
DON'T take photosensitising medication without knowing it increases your UV risk.
DON'T expect workers to find shade — provide shaded rest areas on site.
DON'T neglect eye protection — UV causes cataracts and long-term eye damage.
DON'T treat sunscreen as optional — it prevents the cancer that kills construction workers.

See also: Summer Heat and Hydration | Occupational Health Awareness

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