Every year, thousands of workers suffer from overexposure to the sun while performing their jobs outdoors. While most people think of sunburn as a mild inconvenience, repeated exposure without protection can lead to long-term health issues including skin cancer, heat exhaustion, and vision damage. This blog aims to provide employers, supervisors, and workers with practical and regulatory-aligned guidance to mitigate sun-related risks—especially in industries like construction, transportation, landscaping, and agriculture.
Whether you're overseeing crews on highways, farms, or loading docks, sun protection is not just about comfort—it’s about compliance, productivity, and worker safety. This article explores the science behind UV risks, outlines key protective measures, and shares OSHA-recommended strategies to help you build a more resilient and informed workforce.
Why Sun Protection Matters in the Workplace
The Risks of UV Exposure
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organization (WHO) [source]. Prolonged or repeated exposure increases the risk of:
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Skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma
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Sunburn, which can damage the skin even on cloudy days
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Heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can escalate quickly in outdoor labor settings
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Eye damage, such as cataracts and photokeratitis (“sunburned eyes”)
For employers, the implications go beyond health. Sun-related illnesses can lead to increased absenteeism, workers’ compensation claims, and OSHA violations.
High-Risk Industries
While all outdoor workers are at risk, the most vulnerable sectors include:
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Construction and roofing
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Transportation and delivery
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Oil, gas, and utility work
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Landscaping and groundskeeping
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Agriculture and farming
Even truck drivers and intermodal workers, who may not consider themselves “outdoor workers,” can be exposed during loading/unloading or long drives with high sun glare.
What OSHA Says About Sun Protection
While OSHA does not have a specific regulation solely for UV protection, employers are required under the General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act, to provide a workplace “free from recognized hazards.” This includes preventing heat-related illnesses and providing PPE where necessary.
Refer to OSHA’s full Heat Illness Prevention Campaign for more information, especially the three key pillars:
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Water. Rest. Shade.
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Acclimatization
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Training and emergency response planning
Additionally, DOT-regulated workers, including drivers under FMCSA, should be made aware of rest requirements and sun protection strategies during inspections, delays, and wait times in hot environments.
Signs of Sun-Related Illnesses to Watch For
Training your team to recognize symptoms can be lifesaving. Early signs of heat exhaustion or sun stroke include:
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Heavy sweating
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Nausea or vomiting
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Dizziness or confusion
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Hot, dry skin (a sign heat stroke may be occurring)
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Muscle cramps
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Rapid pulse
OSHA’s First Aid topic page offers employer guidance on how to respond in real-time to these issues. Having protocols and designated responders trained in heat emergency first aid is crucial.
Best Practices for Protecting Outdoor Workers
Implementing a sun safety program doesn't have to be costly or complicated. Here's a breakdown of the most effective controls:
1. Schedule Smart
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Avoid strenuous outdoor tasks during peak UV hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Rotate job functions or assign indoor duties mid-day
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Use NOAA’s UV Index Forecast Tool for planning
2. Provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
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Wide-brimmed hats or neck flaps
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ANSI-rated UV-blocking safety glasses
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Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts (ideally UPF-rated)
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Cooling vests or bandanas for temperature regulation
Explore NIOSH’s recommendations for PPE and sun-protective clothing on their Sun Safety for Workers resource page.
3. Apply Sunscreen — and Reapply
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Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen
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Water- and sweat-resistant formulations
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Reapply every 2 hours, or more frequently if sweating
Employers should provide sunscreen on job sites and encourage its use. It can be dispensed in single-use packs or bulk pumps for hygienic distribution.
4. Create Shade Zones
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Pop-up tents, trailers, or permanent structures
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Vehicles with A/C as designated rest stations
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Encourage 15-minute shade breaks every 2 hours when UV index is high
5. Train and Communicate
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Train supervisors and crews on early warning signs
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Encourage a buddy system
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Post heat safety signage in high-traffic or remote areas
For additional educational material, the California Department of Industrial Relations offers downloadable heat illness prevention resources here that can be adapted to other regions.
Myths About Sun Exposure at Work
Myth: You only need protection when it’s sunny.
Reality: Up to 80% of UV rays penetrate clouds. Workers need sun protection even on overcast days.
Myth: Dark skin doesn’t get sunburned.
Reality: While darker skin may offer more natural protection, it’s still vulnerable to UV damage and skin cancer.
Myth: A tan protects you.
Reality: A tan is a sign of skin damage and does not offer reliable protection.
Integrating Sun Safety Into Your Safety Program
To improve adoption, integrate sun protection into your existing workplace safety or injury prevention programs. This can be done by:
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Including it in toolbox talks
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Making sun safety a required training topic in onboarding
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Logging sunscreen, shade structures, and PPE in your job safety analysis (JSA)
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Tracking related incidents in your OSHA 300 logs
You can also benchmark your sun safety program using CDC’s Workplace Health Model.
Sun Safety Is a Year-Round Responsibility
Even in cooler months or northern climates, workers face sun exposure risks. UV rays reflect off snow, water, and pavement, often intensifying exposure. Employers should communicate that sun protection is not seasonal and continue protocols throughout the year.
Resources for Employers and Safety Managers
Here are several trusted sources to support your program:
Final Thoughts
Sun protection is more than just a summertime concern—it's a vital piece of your overall workplace safety program. Proactive employers can reduce absenteeism, improve morale, and avoid citations by taking sun safety seriously.
Sentry Road can help your organization implement a comprehensive approach to sun protection, integrate it into your safety training system, and keep your team healthy and OSHA-compliant.
Let’s build a safer, more prepared workforce—together.