With the summer season upon us, it’s important to be mindful of sun protection and sun safety. Sun exposure can lead to an increased risk of skin cancer and other health problems, so it’s important to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
What is sun safety?
Sun safety is the practice of protecting yourself from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation to lower your risk of skin cancer, premature aging, and other harmful effects. This includes wearing sun protection, seeking shade when possible, and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.
What is sun protection?
Sun protection is largely made up of products that protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. These products include sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and clothing with a UPF rating. Sunscreen is the most common form of sun protection and should be applied liberally and often for maximum effectiveness, though only makes up one part of the equation.
The Sun and UV Radiation
The sun is both beautiful and powerful, but it can also be dangerous. Too much exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause painful sunburns and long-term health problems like skin cancer. Sun protection and sun safety at work is important for everyone, so it’s essential to know how to stay safe while working outdoors. The sun’s UV radiation is divided into three types: UVA, or long-wave ultraviolet rays; UVB, or short-wave ultraviolet rays; and UVC, which are blocked by the earth’s atmosphere.
The different kinds of UV Radiation affect our skin and bodies differently. UVA rays can penetrate deep into the skin, causing wrinkles and premature ageing. They also damage skin cells that are essential to our immune system. UVB causes sunburns and is believed to be the primary cause of cancers like melanoma, one of the most common cancers in Australia. But UVB also causes your body to produce vitamin D, which is essential for bone health. UVC rays are blocked by the earth’s atmosphere, so they don’t reach the surface of the earth. This is why it s important to protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays with UV protection.
How to protect your skin from the sun and skin cancer?
According to Cancer Council, there are five main ways you can reduce your risk of developing skin cancer; Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, and Slide.
Slip
Slip on a shirt. When in the sun, you should always have suitable sun protective clothing that covers as much skin as can be managed.
Slop
Slop on some sunscreen. Regularly use SPF 30+ sunscreen that is broad spectrum and water resistant. It’s crucial that you apply before exposure, and reapply throughout the day, every two hours or so.
Slap
Slap on a hat. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat that protects your neck, face, ears, and head from the sun is one of the best and easiest ways you can reduce your risk of skin cancer later in life (and wrinkles). Hats that only protect the face, like a cap, are not sufficient protection, there should be a brim all the way around the head.
Seek
Seek shade from the sun. Whenever able, seek shade. This is especially important when the sun is highest in the sky due to higher levels of UV radiation, or from around 10am until 3pm.
Slide
Slide on some sunglasses. But, make sure they are a proper pair. Look out for sunnies that are polarised, that fit close to your face, and that wrap around the sides of your eyes.
During many of the situations you should be conscious of sun protection at work or at home, keeping hydrated is as well. If you’d like to learn more on keeping hydrated at work, you can read our guide on doing so here:
How to Stay Hydrated at Work: A Guide
Sun Protection Products
Are you looking for a sun protection solution for your business? As your partner in safety solutions, DD Group can help. We can supply you with all forms of sun protection, some of which are listed below.
Sunscreen
Our PRO-BLOC sunscreens, come in sizes as small as 60ml on a carabiner to the large 2.5 litre pump bottles. All of which have a sun protection factor (SPF) of 50+ and protect from both UVA and UVB rays.
You will also find Aloe Vera for burn care and sunscreen a lip balm with an SPF of 50+.
Get your sunscreen and aloe vera here.
Sun Hats
Have hats ready for your team to slap onto their heads and keep them safe when you shop our range of sun hats. You’ll find hi-vis work hats with a wide brim, bucket hats, straw hats, and more in our online store.
Get hats for sun protection here.
Long Pants and Shirts
Protect your skin from too much sun with work wear that covers your whole body. Our cargo pants and pants with reflective tape paired with long-sleeved shirts are built tough so they keep you safer, longer.
Get your work pants and long-sleeved shirts here.
Sun Glasses
Protect your eyes and those of your employees with our safety sunglasses range. Designed for hard work, and boasting UV Protection, compatibility with other PPE like hard hats and earmuffs, and more.
