Occupational Health and Safety
It may not feel like summer just yet, especially after a cold and rainy stretch of sp ...
ring weather, but warmer days are coming. With them come lighter clothing, longer daylight hours, and more time outdoors, whether at work, at home, on the road, or near the water.
For many workers, including commercial drivers, sun exposure is not limited to weekends or vacation days. It can happen during loading, inspections, roadside stops, yard work, traffic control, construction activity, or long hours behind the wheel. That means sun protection is not just a summer comfort issue. It is a health and safety habit.
We now know that the old approach of using oil, tanning, and “baking” in the sun can have serious long-term consequences. Ultraviolet radiation increases the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers, as well as eye and lip cancers.
Why sun protection matters
1. UV exposure increases skin cancer risk
The Canadian Cancer Society notes that exposure to UV rays raises the risk of developing skin cancer. The best prevention is to reduce exposure and protect your skin when you are outdoors.
2. Sunburn is skin damage
Most people have experienced a sunburn: hot, painful, itchy, and uncomfortable. But the damage is not just on the surface. UV exposure can damage skin cells and contribute to longer-term health risks. Repeated burns and unprotected exposure add up over time.
3. Sun damage can happen through vehicle windows
A well-known 2012 case published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed significant sun damage on one side of a long-time truck driver’s face after years of exposure through the vehicle window. The case is a reminder that drivers can still receive UVA exposure while inside a vehicle, especially over many years.
What about Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is important for bone and muscle health, and sunlight helps the body produce it. However, intentional unprotected sun exposure is not the safest way to manage Vitamin D. For many people, Vitamin D can also come from food sources or supplements, and anyone concerned about their levels should speak with a health professional.
Sun safety does not mean avoiding the outdoors. It means being practical: reduce unnecessary exposure, protect your skin, and avoid burning.
What about sunscreen ingredients?
There are different types of sunscreen, including mineral sunscreens that use ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These sit on the skin and help block or reflect UV rays.
When choosing sunscreen, look for broad-spectrum protection, which means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. The Canadian Cancer Society recommends using SPF 30 or higher, and notes that SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays when applied properly.
What if I have darker skin?
Darker skin contains more melanin, which offers some natural protection, but it does not make someone immune to UV damage. People with darker skin can still burn, experience sun damage, and develop skin cancer. Sun protection is important for all skin tones.
How to stay sun safe
Use a combination of protection methods, especially when working outdoors or spending long periods in the sun:
Cover up when possible. Wear long sleeves, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and lightweight clothing that protects exposed skin.
Use sunscreen properly. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Reapply regularly, especially after sweating, swimming, or towelling off. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety notes sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, or more often when sweating or working in water.
Do not forget exposed areas. Ears, neck, scalp, hands, lips, and the tops of feet are often missed.
Use shade when available. Plan outdoor tasks to reduce time in direct sun where possible, especially during the strongest sun hours.
Watch for changes in your skin. Pay attention to moles or spots that change in size, shape, colour, or border. When in doubt, get it checked by a medical professional.
A practical safety habit
Sun protection does not need to be complicated. Keep sunscreen in your bag, vehicle, or work kit. Wear protective clothing when possible. Take shade breaks when available. Make it part of the same daily routine as checking the weather, planning your route, or putting on other protective equipment.
A few minutes of prevention can help reduce painful burns today and protect your health in the years ahead.
