Don’t Overlook UV Protection: Safeguard Your Sight and Skin This Summer
As temperatures continue to break global records, employers must recognize that protection from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays is just as critical as staying cool. It’s a perfect time to double down on both eye and skin safety in the workplace.
Did you know that UV rays can cause damage even on cloudy days? Up to 80% of UV radiation passes through cloud cover, meaning workers can be exposed even when the sun isn’t shining brightly. And the surface of the eye is one of the most UV-sensitive parts of the human body—damage can occur in as little as 15 minutes without proper protection.
While heat exposure often dominates summer safety conversations, UV radiation is an equally serious hazard on outdoor jobsites. Whether employees are painting bridges, installing utilities, working on rooftops, or doing heavy highway work, they are consistently exposed to intense, cumulative UV rays—especially during peak daylight hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Why UV Protection Matters on the Jobsite
Prolonged UV exposure can lead to sunburn, skin damage, premature aging, and even skin cancer. For the eyes, repeated exposure without protection can cause photokeratitis (sunburn of the cornea), cataracts, and other degenerative eye conditions. The risk is not just personal—it’s a workplace safety issue. Vision damage can affect hazard awareness, balance, depth perception, and reaction time, all of which are vital on dynamic worksites.
Workers are particularly vulnerable when working near reflective surfaces, such as concrete, glass, sand, metal, or water, which can magnify UV exposure. At elevation or in wide-open spaces, the effects are even more pronounced. Employers must address these risks head-on by implementing job-appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and sun safety protocols.
What Does 99.1% UV Protection Actually Mean?
UV-blocking eyewear is often marketed with percentages, such as 99.1% UV protection. While this may seem sufficient, even 0.9% of UV rays reaching the eye can pose long-term exposure risks, especially for individuals who work outside daily. Look instead for glasses labeled 99.9% or 100% UV protection and that meet ANSI Z87.1 impact standards to ensure both sun and physical security.
Solutions for UV Safety
Several PPE products tailored for hot, sunny worksites, combining UV protection with cooling and comfort:
- Safety Glasses with UV Protection: These wraparound-style lenses not only shield eyes from flying debris but also provide 100% UVA/UVB protection, reducing strain and long-term vision risks.
- Cooling Shirts: Light-colored, moisture-wicking fabric provides skin coverage while allowing the body to regulate temperature naturally. Long sleeves block sun exposure while remaining breathable.
- Wide-Brim Hard Hat Shades: Compatible with most standard hard hats, these brims shield the face, ears, and neck from direct sun, reducing UV exposure without compromising head protection.
- Evaporative Cooling Bandanas and Towels: These PPE add-ons help regulate body temperature and reduce heat burden, especially when worn around the neck and shoulders—key areas that absorb and retain h eat from the sun.
Additional Jobsite UV Safety Practices
Alongside PPE, employers should implement administrative controls and training:
- Encourage frequent breaks in shaded or cooled areas, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Provide sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and encourage reapplication every 2 hours.
- Include UV awareness training in your heat illness prevention program.
- Rotate tasks to limit individual sun exposure time and reduce fatigue.
Environmental Heat + UV = Elevated Risk
Don’t forget that UV exposure contributes to overall body heat. A worker suffering from sunburn, eye strain, or dehydration is more likely to develop heat stress, reduce productivity, and make safety-critical errors. Cooling PPE and UV-blocking eyewear help mitigate both heat and radiation risk on-site.
Key to Remember
Go beyond sunscreen. Make eye protection, sun-safe clothing, and cooling PPE a cornerstone of your safety strategy. The sun may be inevitable, but its harm is preventable.