Working outdoors has its perks—fresh air, open space, and no office walls. But there’s one downside we can’t ignore: the sun. Spending hours out in direct sunlight day after day doesn’t just leave you with a tan—it puts you at real risk. Over time, too much sun exposure can lead to serious health problems like skin cancer, heat exhaustion, and even eye damage.
If you work in construction, road repair, roofing, landscaping, or anything else outdoors, you’re in the sun more than most. That means you’ve got to take sun safety seriously—not just for comfort, but to protect your long-term health.
Why You Should Care About UV Rays
You can’t see UV rays, but they can do real damage. The most dangerous kind of skin cancer—melanoma—is often linked to too much UV exposure. Every year, over 5 million people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer. And guess what? Outdoor workers are some of the most at risk.
But it’s not just about cancer. UV rays can also:
Cause painful sunburns
Lead to wrinkles and skin spots way before your time
Damage your eyes and increase the risk of cataracts
Weaken your body’s ability to fight off illness
Bottom line? If you’re outside every day, you’ve got to protect yourself.
How to Protect Yourself on the Job Site
You don’t need fancy equipment or a bunch of extra gear to stay safe. Just make a few smart choices each day to cut down your risk.
1. Cover Up (Even When It’s Hot)
Wearing long sleeves and pants might seem crazy when it’s 90 degrees, but the right gear makes a big difference. Look for lightweight, breathable clothing that’s made to block UV rays (you’ll see a UPF rating on the tag).
Pro tip: Go for tightly woven fabric in darker colors. Loose, thin shirts won’t protect your skin much.
2. Sunscreen Isn’t Just for the Beach
Before you even pick up a tool, put on sunscreen—and make sure it’s broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. Put it on at least 20 minutes before heading outside, and don’t forget spots like:
Ears
Back of your neck
Nose
Hands
Bald spots or thin hair areas
Reapply every 2 hours, or more if you’re sweating a lot (which, let’s face it, is most of the time).
3. The Right Hat Matters
A regular baseball cap doesn’t cover enough. Use a wide-brim hat that covers your face, ears, and neck—or snap a sun shield or flap onto your hard hat. These are built for work and keep the sun off areas most people forget about.
4. Protect Your Eyes
Sunglasses aren’t just for driving. Get a wrap-around pair that blocks 100% of UVA and UVB rays. If you’re on a job site, make sure they’re shatterproof and meet ANSI safety standards too.
5. Take Breaks in the Shade
Try to get out of the sun for at least a few minutes every couple of hours. Shade helps cool your body down and gives your skin a break—especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s the strongest.
If there’s no natural shade nearby, use pop-up tents, canopies, or sit in the truck with the AC running for a bit.
6. Hydrate Like It’s Your Job
Heat and sun can sneak up fast. If you’re not drinking water regularly, you’re risking heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Make it a habit to drink every 15–20 minutes, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
Skip the sodas and energy drinks—they dehydrate you faster. Water or electrolyte drinks (like Gatorade or Liquid I.V.) are your best bet.
What Employers Should Be Doing
Sun safety isn’t just on the crew—it’s on the company, too. A solid employer should:
Provide sunscreen and UV-protective gear
Train workers on sun and heat safety
Allow breaks in shaded or cooled areas
Adjust schedules to avoid the hottest times of the day when possible
If your employer isn’t talking about this stuff, ask. It’s not just about staying comfortable—it’s about keeping people safe.
You can also check out our OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention Training, which covers the risks of heat and sun exposure on the job. Check it out here.
FAQs for Workers
Q: Do I need sun protection even if it’s cloudy?
A: Yep. Up to 80% of UV rays get through clouds, so you can still get burned even when it’s overcast.
Q: How often should I reapply sunscreen?
A: Every 2 hours minimum, more if you’re sweating, wiping your face, or working around water or reflective surfaces.
Q: Can sun exposure lead to heat stroke?
A: Yes. Sun exposure raises your body temp and can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke, especially if you’re not drinking enough water or taking breaks.
Q: What kind of sunglasses should I wear?
A: Look for wraparound sunglasses with 100% UV protection. If you need impact resistance, make sure they meet ANSI Z87.1 safety standards.
Final Word: Don’t Brush It Off
Look—we know it’s easy to ignore the sun when there are deadlines to meet, crews to manage, or miles of road to finish. But the damage adds up, and no job is worth risking your long-term health.
So every morning before you gear up:
Slap on some sunscreen
Throw on the right gear
Grab your sunglasses and a water bottle
Stay cool, stay safe, and don’t take chances with the sun.
