Page 48 - May-Jun 19

Risk Control Bulletin:

Sun Exposures for Contractors

RISK CONTROL

The sun is a great source of vitamin D and has vital, mood-boosting abilities. However, overexposure can potentially damage
the human body by causing heat stress, heat stroke and skin cancer. It is important to learn how to stay cool and protect yourself
from overexposure.

Stay Cool with the Right Clothing Skin Cancer and Major Risk Factors
Staying cool and protecting employees from overexposure to the Did you know that UV rays are most intense during the peak
sun begins with selecting the right clothing. Loose, light-colored working hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.? These harmful beams can
clothing is much cooler than tighter, dark-colored clothing. damage and mutate DNA, causing several types of skin cancers.
Workers can also stay cool by wearing long-sleeve shirts and Because of this, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer
pants to shield their skin from the sun’s rays. Ultimately, these tips in the course of a lifetime.
will reduce the amount of sun exposure, which helps maintain Major risk factors for skin cancer include:
a lower internal temperature.
• Genetics / family history
The following are examples of appropriate clothing and
their benefits: • Fair skin / freckles
• Cotton fabric - Cotton clothing helps soak up sweat and stays • Sunburns at a young age
wet longer, thus keeping heat from penetrating the body. • People who are in the sun multiple hours per day
It also exposes the sweat to the atmosphere, allowing for
easier evaporation.
• Opaque clothing - Opaque clothing serves as a layer of
protection, preventing the sun’s light and ultraviolet (UV)
rays from penetrating the cloth. This is beneficial in keeping
employees cool and protected.
• Loose, flowing garments - Loose fitting clothing allows
maximum breathability and air flow to assist in cooling the
skin and the body.
• Light-colored clothing - The sun is absorbed by darker colors,
retaining heat. Wearing lighter colors will help reflect the sun
away from the surface of the clothing, thus, keeping the
body cooler.