Sunburn: How to Prevent Getting Burned When Working Outdoors

Does your job require you to work outdoors during the summer? If so, you'll need to take precautions to protect against sunburn. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), over one in three U.S. adults suffer from sunburn in any given year. It's frustrating when you work outdoors, only to discover the following day that you developed sunburn. So, what can you do to prevent getting burned when working outdoors?

Work During the Mornings or Evenings

If possible, try to schedule your summertime work for the mornings or evenings rather than the middle of the day. Sunburn is the result of ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. When your skin is exposed to UV light, it will burn. The sun produces the strongest UV light, however, during the middle of the day. By planning your work for the mornings or evenings, you'll have a lower risk of sunburn.

Work in a Shaded Area

Another way to lower your risk of sunburn is to work in a shaded area. Shade won't prevent all of the sun's UV rays from reaching you, but it will stop a significant amount of them. Of course, you'll also feel cooler and more comfortable when working in a shaded area. If you're planning to work outdoors this summer, try to find a shaded area so that you aren't susceptible to sunburn.

Wear a Hat or Cap

Don't forget to wear a hat or cap when working outdoors this summer. A wide-brimmed hat or cap will create a small area of shade over your head, thereby keeping your face protected from the sun's UV light.

Wear Sunscreen

Of course, sunscreen can protect you from sunburn when working outdoors as well. Available in creams, lotions and sprays, sunscreen is designed to create a barrier between your skin and the sun's UV light. Once applied, it will block some of the sun's UV light from reaching your skin. Not all sunscreen is the same, though. Its effectiveness is measured in Sun Protection Factor (SPF). If you're worried about developing sunburn when working outdoors, choose a sunscreen with a high SPF.

Limit Time Outdoors

Even if you take all of these precautions, you should still try to limit the amount of time you spend working outdoors, especially on bright and sunny days. The longer you spend working outdoors, the greater your risk of sunburn. You can still work outdoors during the summer, but consider taking breaks and working shorter shifts to minimize your exposure to UV light.