Skin cancer is extremely common—and some types can be deadly. Occupational exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun is a significant skin cancer risk factor for outdoor workers, but employers seldom provide sunscreen or encourage workers to wear it.
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Here are some strategies—including nonsunscreen strategies—that you can implement to reduce workers’ skin cancer risk.
Sunscreen …
When you’re talking about reducing skin damage from UV exposure, sunscreen is right at the top of the list of possibilities. Here are some recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for using sunscreen effectively:
Get on the right wavelength. Damaging sunlight comes in different wavelengths, called UVA and UVB. Until recently, it was believed that UVA light—which accounts for 95% of the UV radiation that makes it through the earth’s atmosphere—did not significantly increase the risk of skin cancer. Consequently, people thought that tanning beds, which emit mostly UVA light, were relatively safe. Unfortunately, we now know that both UVA and UVB exposure increase a person’s risk of skin cancer.
Know your sun protection factor (SPF). A sunscreen’s SPF refers to the amount of time that the wearer will be protected from UVB radiation and sunburn. The CDC recommends that everyone who is planning to be in the sun should wear a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15, which allows the person to stay out in the sun 15 times longer than they normally could without burning. SPF does not assess protection against UVA. For protection against UVA, look for sunscreens that contain Mexoryl, Parsol 1789, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or avobenzone.
Out with the old, in with the new. Sunscreen loses potency after 1 to 2 years, so throw it out at the end of the season, and buy new sunscreen each year.
Plan ahead. Apply sunscreen liberally at least 20 minutes before sun exposure. Pay special attention to the ears, scalp, lips, and neck, as well as the tops of the feet and the backs of the hands.
Do it again. Sunscreen should be reapplied frequently—at least every 2 hours—as well as when swimmers get out of the water or when workers are perspiring heavily. If sunscreen is used together with insect repellents, reapply it more frequently, because insect repellants can make sunscreen less effective.
… And Beyond
Of course, sunscreen is not the only way to protect against UV exposure and sunburn. Here are some additional protective measures that workers can implement:
Dress for the weather. Light-colored, loosely woven clothing is cooler, but dark clothing with a tight weave is better at blocking UV rays. Workers can also purchase clothing with an SPF rating. Wide-brimmed hats will help keep the sun off of workers’ faces, ears, and necks. Sunglasses are available with side panels that provide almost 100% UV protection to protect workers’ eyes.
Avoid the heat of the day. According to the CDC, sunlight exposure is most intense during the summer, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Schedule outdoor work for earlier or later in the day whenever possible.
Avoid double exposure. Some light-colored work surfaces like snow and sand reflect UV light, meaning that workers are exposed to UV light from above and below. Workers should be aware of the need to protect themselves from UV light from both directions.
Go Drug-Free. You know that some drugs can affect workers’ alertness—but did you know that some drugs can also affect their sensitivity to sunlight? Certain classes of antibiotics, diuretics, and painkillers increase the risk of sunburn.