Outdoor work exposes employees to sunlight and UV exposure, which can result in health complications. In the short term, workers may experience sunburns, heat exhaustion, or heatstroke, while long-term exposure increases the risk of skin cancer. 

  Direct sunlight isn't the only threat. UV light reflects off surfaces such as water, concrete, and metal, increasing an individual's total exposure. Combining some simple sun safety tips with cooling gear for construction workers mitigates the risk of heat-related illness. 

   Sun protection tips

  Sun safety tips are generally commonsense advice that sometimes gets forgotten in the hustle and bustle of an outdoor worksite. The most efficient tips include:

● Providing employees with sun protective gear, including neck sun protectors, sunglasses, and construction sun hats that shade the face, ears, and neck.

●  Applying and periodically reapplying a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher to exposed skin.

●Scheduling frequent shade breaks, during which employees can rehydrate and reapply sunscreen. Providing water bottles encourages rehydration.

● Scheduling work for cooler parts of the day, such as dawn or dusk. If work must be done during the heat of the day, rotate employees out of the heat regularly.

  Educating your workers on the risks of sun exposure also helps. Teach them to identify the signs of heat stress, and encourage them to monitor each other's shade and hydration breaks. Emphasize that "toughing it out" is less likely to prove how strong a person is and more likely to wind up with them requiring hospitalization. 

  The best sun protection hats: Sun protection hats come in many forms, from the classic sunhat to specially designed hard hats. Keep your crew cool and protected from the sun with the best sun protection hats we have to offer.