Outdoor work often comes with a number of occupational hazards, particularly in such industries as construction or farming, where heavy machinery and harmful substances are often present. But, the one glaringly obvious risk, sun exposure, seems to be often overlooked, regardless of its highly preventative nature.
Factors behind unequal UV exposure
The risks associated with UV exposure are not evenly distributed among different groups of workers. Its levels are primarily influenced by the person’s occupation, geographic location and even socioeconomic status. Outdoor workers, whether street vendors or construction labourers, are routinely exposed to high UV levels during peak daylight hours, unlike office-based employees who can easily avoid midday sun. This is even more of an issue in southern latitudes, which tend to experience more frequent and intense sunlight.
However, the issue involves further complexities related to socioeconomic factors. Many of the outdoor jobs tend to be temporary, seasonal, low-paid roles or informal, often involving migrant labour or young interns. They are, naturally, less likely to be well-informed on the risks of UV exposure and may lack access to effective preventative care. These inherent structural inequalities within labour markets lead to higher skin cancer rates among these groups of workers.
The psychological impact of sun damage
Beyond well-known health concerns, visible skin damage (i.e. premature ageing or hyperpigmentation) can have negative psychological impact on employees, affecting their self-esteem and social confidence. For some workers, particularly those in public-facing roles, appearance plays a role in their professional identity too.
Moreover, a potential development of skin damage or, worse, life-threatening conditions, can lead to severe anxiety about future health and income stability. Those who do not have the option to switch occupations may feel as though their wellbeing is under constant threat.
How can workplaces promote a culture of sun protection?
The workplaces have a duty of care towards their employees and organisations involved in outdoor work can take practical measures to minimise UV exposure. First and foremost, employers can provide shade structures in outdoor sites, like pop-up tents, particularly for rest areas. Adjusting work schedules to avoid peak UV hours (typically at midday) can also be an effective strategy.
Furthermore, preventative sun care should be normalised and supplied without cost to workers. This includes UV-protective clothing (wide-brimmed hats and sun hoodies) as well as high-factor, broad-spectrum sunscreen. Workers should be strongly encouraged to treat sun care as a key part of their PPE kit, no different to gloves or helmets. This may require a shift in mindset and behaviour, which can be achieved through continuous training and education.
Where possible, regular skin checks with dermatology professionals could also be offered to outdoor workers. This would help detect potential skin conditions early, significantly reducing the likelihood of skin cancer development.
Prioritising a preventative approach
Despite the various challenges surrounding UV exposure among outdoor workers, there is an important silver lining - sun conditions, on a whole, are highly preventative. And, if organisations proactively embedded prevention culture within their models, sun-safe behaviour would become a natural daily practice rather than an afterthought.
