STAYING IN TOUCH: JACQUELYN ODURO
May is Sun Awareness Month, making it a great time to remind ourselves of the risks that come with working under the sun—especially in construction. Spending long hours outdoors means constant exposure to harmful UV rays, which significantly increases our chances of skin damage, sunburn, and even skin cancer over time.
Why It Matters:
- UV radiation is invisible and harmful—even on cloudy or cool days.
- Construction workers are among the top occupations for sun exposure.
- Prolonged exposure can cause sunburns, premature aging, eye damage, and skin cancer.
Sun Safety Tips:
- Wear Sun-Protective Clothing:
- Long-sleeved shirts and long pants help protect skin.
- Consider clothing with UPF ratings for added UV protection.
- Use Sunscreen Daily:
- Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 or higher to exposed skin.
- Reapply every 2 hours—or more often if sweating.
- Wear UV-Protective Safety Sunglasses:
- Protect your eyes from long-term damage like cataracts.
- Seek Shade When Possible:
- Take breaks in shaded areas, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM when UV rays are strongest.
- Stay Hydrated:
- Heat and sun can dehydrate you fast. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Check Your Skin Regularly:
- Look for changes—new moles, spots that change color, or sores that don’t heal.
Don’t wait for a serious sunburn or a diagnosis to take action. Make sun safety part of your daily routine—not just in May, but all year long. Your health and safety come first, always.
