Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer and there are several reasons for outdoor workers get skin cancer.
They often spend many hours in the sun.
They work near materials that reflect sunlight. This
includes water, concrete or metal.
It is easy to forget about sun protection in a busy
workplace.
Path to better health
If you spend a lot of time outdoors at work, you can take
steps to avoid getting skin cancer. There are steps that your employer can also
take. The Federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) requires employers
to do everything possible to minimize the risk of harm to their employees. This
includes protection against sun exposure. These are some ways in which you and
your employer can prevent skin cancer.
Wear protective equipment.
When you work outside, there are many ways you can cover
your skin to protect it.
Wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Make sure the
fabric is a tight fabric and light can not pass through it.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat. The wing should be at least three
inches wide, or enough to provide shade to the entire face, ears and back of
your neck.
Protect your neck. If you must bend down a lot, wear a hat
that has a flap on the back to protect your neck. Wearing a collared shirt can
also help.
Use sunscreen.
Your sunscreen should be broad spectrum, SPF 15 or higher,
and water resistant. Be sure to cover any surface that is not covered by
clothing. This includes your face, neck, ears, arms and the backs of your
hands. Reapply every 2 hours. If you are sweating a lot, reapply more often.
Spend some time in the shade
If possible, work in an area that has shade. Take breaks and
eat lunch in a shaded area. If there is no shaded area in your workplace, do
one. Install a tent or shelter, preferably on the lawn. Try to cover the shiny
surfaces to reduce the amount of sunlight that is reflected.
Change your work schedule
Try altering your work schedule to match the time. UV rays
are stronger:
in the middle of the day;
during the summer;
near the equator;
high.
If you have control over when work is done, schedule work
outdoors in the early morning or late afternoon. Try not to do it in the middle
of summer. Also, keep in mind that snow also reflects UV rays. Working out in
the mountains in winter can be as dangerous as outdoor work during the summer.
Aspects to consider
Excessive exposure to UV rays can be very dangerous to your
health. Too much exposure can lead to:
Skin cancer. Most skin cancers are caused by excessive
exposure to UV rays. Some types are quite easy to deal with. However, others
can spread and even be deadly.
Changes in the skin UV rays can cause spots or moles to form
on the skin. Over time, these can develop cancer.
Problem in the eyes prolonged exposure to UV rays can damage
the tissue of your eyes. This can lead to cataracts or macular degeneration.
Weakened immune system UV rays can weaken your natural
defenses and suppress your immune system.
Early aging. The time you spend in the sun makes your skin
age faster than normal. Signs of this include wrinkles, taut or tanned skin.
Take all the measures you can to protect yourself from UV
rays when working outdoors.
Get daily healthy tips and be happy.
Get daily healthy tips and be happy.
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