Why Sunscreen is Essential for Outdoor Workers: Protecting Construction Workers from Sun Exposure

If you work outside for extended periods or spend most of your day under the sun, using sunscreen and UV-protective gear is not just a recommendation—it’s a necessity. Prolonged sun exposure can lead to serious health complications, including sunburn, dehydration, and even skin cancer.

Employers, especially those in industries like construction, should provide sunscreen for their workers to help minimize these risks. If sunscreen isn’t provided, it’s crucial for workers to take proactive steps to protect themselves. A significant number of sun-related health issues occur on construction sites, making it vital for workers to prioritize sun safety. Below, we explore three key reasons why sunscreen is one of the most important tools for outdoor workers.

1. Sunburns Are Painful and Can Lead to Serious Discomfort

Sunburn isn’t just a temporary inconvenience; it can cause lasting discomfort and even impact your ability to work safely:

• Pain and Discomfort: Severe sunburns can result in intense pain, itching, and peeling, lasting several days or more. In extreme cases, nerve damage can occur, leading to temporary numbness or tingling sensations.
• Workplace Hazards: Pain or numbness caused by sunburn can interfere with tasks requiring precision, such as handling tools or operating heavy machinery. This increases the risk of accidents, including dropped tools or falling objects, which could injure coworkers.
• Employer Liability: If secondary injuries, such as accidents caused by impaired functionality from a sunburn, occur on the job, the employer may be held liable. This could include covering the medical costs of the injured worker.

2. Overexposure to the Sun Can Increase Skin Cancer Risks

One of the most serious consequences of unprotected sun exposure is the heightened risk of developing skin cancer.

• How Sunburns Increase Cancer Risks: A sunburn occurs when your skin is damaged by UV rays. Even a single severe burn can increase your lifetime risk of skin cancer, regardless of how minor it may seem.
• Routine Exposure: Workers who spend most of their day outdoors without sunscreen or protective clothing are at greater risk due to repeated burns over their careers.
• Employer Responsibility: Employers may be held accountable for failing to provide adequate sun protection, especially if workers develop health conditions like skin cancer from prolonged sun exposure on the job.

3. Sunburns Can Lead to Dehydration and Heat-Related Illnesses

Beyond skin damage, sunburns can impact your body’s ability to regulate temperature, leading to dehydration and other serious conditions.

• Moisture Loss: Sunburn dries out your skin and body, causing tightness and discomfort. Sweating—a natural cooling mechanism—is also affected, putting you at risk of overheating.
• Heat Stroke Risks: If your body loses too much moisture, it may stop sweating, a clear warning sign of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Symptoms include dizziness, confusion, and nausea. If these symptoms arise, workers should immediately move to a shaded area and drink water. Severe cases may require hospitalization.
• Preventive Measures: Using sunscreen, staying hydrated, and taking regular breaks in shaded areas are essential to staying safe on the job.

Workplace Protections and Legal Rights

If you’ve experienced sun-related injuries on the job, such as severe sunburn, dehydration, or conditions related to overexposure to UV rays, you may be eligible for worker’s compensation benefits. These benefits can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and recovery time.

Employers have a responsibility to provide a safe working environment, including measures to mitigate sun exposure risks. If your employer has failed to do so, you may want to consult a worker’s compensation attorney to explore your options.

Protect Yourself: Sun Safety Tips for Outdoor Workers

• Apply Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen: Choose a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply every two hours.
• Wear UV-Protective Gear: Use hats, sunglasses, and long-sleeved UV-blocking clothing for additional protection.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink water regularly to prevent dehydration.
• Take Breaks in the Shade: Rest in shaded areas, especially during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
• Monitor Your Health: Be alert to symptoms of heat exhaustion or sun-related illnesses and seek help if needed.

Conclusion

Sun protection isn’t just about avoiding discomfort; it’s about safeguarding your long-term health and well-being. Employers and workers alike should recognize the importance of sunscreen and UV protection on the job, especially in industries like construction where outdoor exposure is a daily reality.

Special thanks to the attorneys at Hickey & Turim SC for their insights on the importance of sun safety in the workplace. If you’ve suffered injuries or health complications from sun exposure on the job, consider reaching out to a construction accident lawyer or worker’s compensation attorney for guidance.