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The Importance Of Keeping Your Employees Sun-Safe When Working Outdoors

If your employees work outdoors, you need to do everything in your power to protect them from the sun’s rays. Exposure to UV light rays can have many harmful effects. Read on to learn more about the risks your employees are facing and what you can do to protect them.

The Risks Of Sunburn

If someone is overexposed to UV rays, their skin will sustain damage. A sunburn can cause the skin to redden, and it can also cause a stinging pain. While mild sunburns typically heal within 48 hours, severe sunburns can cause more substantial damage.

When someone suffers a severe sunburn, blisters may form on their skin. If these blisters pop, they can become infected. Infection is a very serious sunburn complication, and it could require medical treatment.

The most effective way to protect against sunburn is to apply sunblock. Your employees should be wearing sunblock with an SPF of 15 or hour. You should look for UVA or UVB sunscreen. Make sure you give your employees ample time to apply sunscreen before heading outdoors. You should also give them opportunities to reapply sunscreen throughout the day.

It is also important to be aware of when the sun’s rays are the strongest. The sun is at its brightest between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm. If possible, you should try to limit sun exposure during these times.

You should also know that your employees can suffer a sunburn at any time, even if the skies are cloudy. You should inform your employees of this risk so that they can properly protect themselves.

The Risks Of Heat Stroke

When your employees are performing strenuous work in high heat, they could experience heat stroke. Heat stroke is a type of hyperthermia that causes the body temperature to rise dramatically. It is a serious medical emergency. If heat stroke is not properly treated, it can be fatal.

It is crucial that your employees are aware of the symptoms of heat stroke. These symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, muscle weakness, and a rapid heartbeat.

If any of your employees starts to experience heat stroke symptoms, they should cease working immediately. In order to recover from heat stroke, they will need to cool their bodies. You should ensure that cold water is available to your employees at all times. If your employee is experiencing more severe symptoms, you should contact emergency services.

The Long-Term Risks Of Sun Exposure

Studies have shown that frequent exposure to UV rays increases the risk of skin cancer. To protect your employees, you should have them work in the shade whenever possible. You may also want to require them to wear clothing that covers their arms and their legs. You should also encourage them to have regular skin checks at a doctor or specialist clinic.

It is your duty as an employer to keep your employees protected. Now that you are fully aware of the damage UV rays can cause, you understand how important it is for you to keep your employees safe. Take precautions whenever your employees are going to be working outdoors.