Working Outdoors in Warm Weather

With the hot summer months just around the corner, the CAWV Safety Committee would like to remind members of the special hazards for outdoor workers who must protect themselves against heat, sun exposure, and dehydration. Employers and employees should know the potential hazards in their workplaces and how to manage them.

Sun: Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which causes premature aging of the skin, wrinkles, cataracts, and skin cancer.  There are no safe UV rays or safe suntans.  Be especially careful in the sun if you burn easily, spend a lot of time outdoors, or have any of the following physical features: numerous, irregular, or large moles; freckles; fair skin; or blond, red, or light brown hair.  Here’s how to block harmful rays:

• Cover up.  Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30.
• Wear a hat. A wide-brim hat, not a baseball cap, works best because it protects the neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose, and scalp.
• Wear UV-absorbent sunglasses (eye protection). Sunglasses should block 99 to 100 percent UVA and UVB radiation.
• Limit exposure. UV rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Heat: The combination of heat and humidity can be a serious health threat during the summer months.  If you work outside, you may be at increased risk of heat-related illnesses.  So, take precautions.  Here’s how:

• Drink small amounts of water frequently and eat smaller meals before work activity
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing - cotton is good
• Take frequent short breaks in the cool shade
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol or large amounts of sugar