Did you know that...

• More than 76,000 Canadians will develop skin cancer this year alone.
• People of all skin colours are at risk for skin cancer (risk increases as skin colour becomes lighter).
• Every 1% decrease in the ozone layer results in a 3-4% increase in skin cancers.
• Your skin can get burned even on a cloudy day.  Up to 80% of the sun's rays can pass through clouds, mist and fog.
• You will get more ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure on snow, cement, sand or water since these surfaces reflect the sun's rays back on your skin just like a mirror.  This harmful reflection can happen even if you are in nearby shade.

When you work outdoors...

Did you know that 2 out of 3 skin cancers occur in the head and neck areas?  And that over exposure to sunlight is the main cause of these skin cancers. If your work assignment is outdoors for even part of the day, you are at higher risk for damage.

Protect yourself:

1. Wear a hat with a wide brim (e.g. 8.0 cm/3 inches) or a neck protector under a hard hat.

• Hats with a wider brim provide better protection for the nose, cheeks and back of neck as well as your eyes.  Also recommended are baseball style caps with a neck flap.
• Choose a hat or neck protector made of closely woven material.  (hold the fabric up to a light bulb.  If the light can't get through then neither can UV rays.)

2. Cover Up!

Choose a hat or neck protector made of closely woven material.  (hold the fabric up to a light bulb.  If the light can't get through then neither can UV rays.)

2. Use a sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) 30 or higher and UVA and UVB protection.

• the standard recommendation for sunscreen is an SPF 15 or higher.  However, for employees who work outdoors, the Canadian Dermatology Association recommends using SPF 30 or higher because of increased and often prolonged exposure to sunlight.  Water resistant or waterproof sunscreens stay on the skin longer and are a good choice when active and perspiring or when working in water.
• Apply a generous amount of sunscreen to dry, clean skin 20-30 minutes before going outdoors.  Pay special attention to ears, nose and neck.  Reapply every 2 hours and after heavy sweating.

3. Wear lip balm with SPF 30.
* The Standard recommendation for sunscreen lip balm is an SPF 15 or higher.  However for employees who work outdoors, the Canadian Dermatology Association recommends using SPF 30 or higher because of increased and often prolonged exposure to sunlight.

4.  Put on UV blocking sunglasses or industrial safety eyewear to protect your eyes.
 

Outdoor workers are also at risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.  For more info...