Skin Cancer Prevention - Newsletter Tips

#1 Sun Safety for Outdoor Workers
People who work outdoors spend most of the day exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Risks related to overexposure to UV rays include: sunburn, eye damage, premature aging of the skin and lip and skin cancer. People today have a 1 in 7 chance of developing some type of skin cancer during their lifetime.

Reduce your risk by:

  • Applying a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and re-applying every two hours or more often if sweating;
  • Using a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher;
  • Wearing clothing that covers your arms and legs;
  • Wearing a broad rimmed hat or neck protector under a hard hat;
  • Putting on 100% UV protective sunglasses;
  • Taking breaks indoors or in shaded areas; and
  • Drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

#2 Sun Safety for Outdoor Workers
Did you know that ultraviolet rays from the sun can penetrate through clouds, fog and haze? Water, sand, snow and concrete can reflect and increase the sun’s burning rays.

Protect your skin by:

  • Applying a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Remember to re-apply every 2 hours or more often if sweating;
  • Covering arms and legs;
  • Wearing a wide brimmed hat or neck protector under a hard hat and wrap-around 100% UV protective sunglasses;
  • Seeking or creating shade during breaks and whenever possible;
  • Avoiding the summer sun between 11 am and 4 pm when possible.

#3 Sun Safety for Outdoor Workers
Before starting your work day listen to the local radio station or visit www.weathernetwork.com for the weather forecast and UV Index reading. The UV Index is a measurement of the intensity of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays on the earth’s surface.

When the UV Index reads:

0-2      Low  

Minimal protection required for normal activities. Wear sunglasses on bright days. If outside for more than 1 hour, cover up and use sunscreen. Reflection off snow can nearly double UV strength.

3-5      Moderate  

Take precautions - cover up, wear a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses – especially if you will be outside for 30 minutes or more. Look for shade near midday when the sun is strongest

 6-7      High

Protection required - UV damages the skin and can cause sunburn.  Reduce time in the sun between 11 am and 4 pm and take full precautions – seek shade, cover up, wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

8-10     Very High

Extra precautions required. Unprotected skin will be damaged and can burn quickly. Avoid the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. and take full precautions - seek shade, cover up, wear a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.

11     Extreme  

Values of 11 or more are very rare in Canada. However, the UV index can reach 14 or more in the tropics and southern U.S. Take full precautions. Unprotected skin will be damaged and can burn in minutes. Avoid the sun between 11 am and 4 pm, cover up, wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. White sand and other bright surfaces reflect UV and increase UV exposure.