Training Staff and Overseeing Personnel on Solar Radiation Safety
Preventing Skin Cancer in the Green Industry: Essential Tips for Outdoor Workers
As the green industry continues to grow, so does the risk of skin cancer for its workers. Prolonged sun exposure can lead to basal cell, squamous cell, and malignant melanoma skin cancers, and those with fair complexions, blonde or red hair, blue or gray eyes, and those who burn easily and rarely tan are at a greater risk.
To minimize this risk, it's crucial to adopt a multi-faceted approach to sun protection. Here are some key prevention methods:
Sunscreen
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply it generously to all exposed skin 15 to 30 minutes before outdoor work, and reapply every two hours or more often if sweating or swimming. Water-resistant formulas are recommended for prolonged outdoor labor.
Protective Clothing
Wear lightweight, tightly woven, long-sleeved shirts and long pants for maximum UV protection. Clothing with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating provides additional safety. Wide-brimmed hats (at least 3 inches wide), especially those made from UV-protective fabrics, help shield the face, neck, and ears.
Shade Utilization
Whenever possible, take regular breaks in natural shade such as trees or other shelters. Portable shade structures like umbrellas, pop-up canopies, or tents can provide crucial protection during continuous outdoor work. Shade sails made of UV-resistant fabric offer flexible and modern coverage options, and retractable awnings or louvered pergolas can create adjustable shaded zones to reduce heat stress and UV exposure.
Other practical reminders include careful coverage of often-missed areas such as ears, neck, and feet, and ensuring shade structures are well-anchored and angled properly to avoid sagging or ineffective coverage.
Remember, a self-exam guide is not a substitute for seeing a doctor. If you work outdoors, it's important to use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or more, wear protective clothing, and employ effective shading strategies to reduce the risk of sunburn, long-term skin damage, and heat-related illnesses.
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Skin Cancer Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/prevention.htm
[2] American Cancer Society. (2021). Skin Cancer Prevention and Early Detection. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/skin-cancer/prevention-and-early-detection.html
[3] Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (2021). Heat Illness Prevention. https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatillness/index.html
[4] American Academy of Dermatology. (2021). Protect Your Skin from the Sun. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/prevention-and-early-detection/protect-your-skin
[5] Skin Cancer Foundation. (2021). Sun Safety for Outdoor Workers. https://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sun-protection/sun-safety-for-outdoor-workers
