Did you know that people who work outdoors are at the highest risk of developing skin cancer?
Skin cancer can develop when a person is overexposed to ultraviolet radiation, which is the invisible rays that are part of the energy from the sun. Exposure to these rays can be caused by not only direct exposure to the sun, but also reflections from surfaces such as concrete and white paint. Your skin can be damaged by regularly being vulnerable in the sun no matter it’s type. Also, contrary to popular belief, this ultraviolet radiation doesn’t just cause damage when the sun is out, but can cause damage to your skin all year round, even on a seemingly cloudy day.
So it’s best to not just rely on the wearing of sunscreen, but to also always keep in mind the Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide precautions.
But what about if you are in the sun constantly due to work? There is a few things you can personally do to lower the risk for yourself as an outdoor worker.
They are:
Try to be undercover or in the shade as much as possible, including during breaks.
Wear protective clothing such as long sleeves, long pants, collared shirts, broad-brimmed hats, hard hat attachments and sunglasses.
Apply sunscreen regularly, preferably broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF30 or higher.
And most importantly get into the habit of having your skin checked annually by medical professionals.
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