Occupational Sun Safety: Protecting Your Workforce in Hot Conditions

Why Sun Safety Matters on the Job

Working outdoors brings numerous challenges, and sun exposure is one of the most dangerous yet often overlooked. As heatwaves become more frequent and severe, so does the risk of heat-related illnesses. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, heat illness claimed the lives of 43 workers in 2019 and seriously harmed thousands more. Proactive sun safety is not just a best practice—it’s a necessity.

Heat-Related Illnesses Are on the Rise

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that the three-year average of workplace deaths caused by heat has doubled since the early 1990s. This alarming trend highlights the increasing risks associated with heat exposure in occupational settings, emphasizing the need for proactive sun safety measures.

Key Strategies for Onsite Sun Safety

Hydration & Nutrition

Avoid caffeine and alcohol during hot days.

Encourage frequent water breaks—every 15 to 20 minutes.

Provide electrolyte beverages when possible.

Shade and Scheduling

• Schedule strenuous tasks during early mornings or evenings.
• Rotate workers to reduce prolonged exposure.
• Create shaded break areas with cooling stations.

Protective Gear & Clothing

• Require lightweight, light-colored, breathable clothing.
• Use wide-brimmed hats, neck shades, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
• Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours.

Utilize Sun-Specific PPE 

Sunscreen is a must for all workers outdoors, no matter their natural skin tone. Provide broad spectrum sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher for workers who may forget theirs or who need a refill. Whenever possible, send out text message or verbal reminders to workers to reapply sunscreen at least every two hours.

Encourage the use of other sun-specific personal protective equipment (PPE), such as wide-brimmed hats, UV-protective sunglasses, tight-weave or high-SPF clothing and long sleeves and pants when appropriate.  

Heat Acclimatization

• Gradually increase workloads for new or returning employees.
• Closely monitor high-risk workers.

Medcor’s Role in Heat Safety

Onsite Clinics

Our onsite clinics treat minor sun-related issues immediately, reducing the need for offsite care and speeding up recovery.

Monitoring and Early Detection

Healthcare professionals can recognize early signs of heat illness before it escalates, enabling faster intervention.

Training and Education

Medcor staff deliver on-the-ground education, helping your workers understand how to protect themselves and respond appropriately if symptoms occur.

Educating and Training Your Crew to Ensure Occupational Sun Safety 

Educating your workers about the potential dangers they face and training them how to respond is key to preventing occupational sun injuries. 

Before the weather gets too warm, hold a team meeting to go over some of the greater dangers of working outdoors in the summer. Include this information in your employee manual and send it out via email at least once a year. Discuss the resources available at the worksite, such as adjusted schedules, shade and hydration stations, but be sure to cover things your workers need to do on their own. 

Certain medications, including antibiotics, acne medicine, diabetes medications and cholesterol-lowering drugs, can increase a worker’s sun sensitivity. Encourage workers to speak with their doctors or your onsite clinic staff if they are concerned about how their medication may impact them. 

Discuss the UV index and all sun-related PPE, providing a list of nearby or online places where workers can purchase their own garments. Remind workers that you will have sunscreen and other items available for refills or if they forget something. 

Engage your onsite occupational healthcare team to educate your workers on the signs and symptoms of heat illnesses and sun overexposure. They can help your workers know what to look for in themselves and others and provide resources on where to get help in case of an incident. 

Your Partner in Onsite Health & Safety for Outdoor Workers 

Medcor provides tailored safety solutions—including onsite care, training and telehealth support—that reduce the impact of heat exposure and improve worker safety.

Contact us today to protect your team during the hottest months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the early signs of heat-related illness?
Look for heavy sweating, dizziness, weakness, headache, nausea and muscle cramps. More serious symptoms include confusion, vomiting and loss of consciousness.

How much water should workers drink?
A general rule is 1 cup every 15–20 minutes during strenuous outdoor work. Electrolyte drinks can help replenish lost minerals.

What kind of sunscreen should employees use?
Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. Reapply every 2 hours or more frequently if sweating.

Can heat illness happen even on cloudy days?
Yes. UV exposure and high humidity still pose risks even when the sun isn’t visible.

What should employers do during a heat advisory?
Modify work schedules, implement additional hydration and rest protocols and closely monitor high-risk employees.