Sun Safety at Work
- Alice Monk
- May 14, 2018
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 23
☀️ Summer is here — but staying sun-safe isn’t just for holidays and weekends. Whether you're sitting near a sunny window, working outdoors, or on your feet in a hot environment, sun exposure at work can still carry risks.
Even if you're not at the beach, the sun can affect your health - and performance. From sunburn to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and even skin cancer, it's important to take precautions during the warmer months.
Why sun protection matters
Sunburn is a visible sign of skin damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays. In the short term, this can lead to redness, blistering, peeling, and discomfort. But over time, repeated sun exposure speeds up skin ageing and increases the risk of skin cancer.
Skin damage can occur even on cloudy days or through windows - especially during the UK’s peak UV hours between 11am and 3pm, from March to October.
Who is most at risk?
Some people are more vulnerable to sun damage, including those with:
Fair or freckled skin that burns easily
Red or light-coloured hair
Light-coloured eyes
A large number of moles
A family history of skin cancer
That said, everyone is at risk if proper precautions aren’t taken — especially those who spend long periods outdoors or near large windows.
Sun safety checklist for the workplace
✅ Cover up Wear a top that covers your shoulders, and a wide-brimmed hat that protects your face, neck and ears.
✅ Use sunscreen Choose one with a high SPF (30 or above) and at least 4-star UVA protection. Apply 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours — or more often if sweating or working outdoors.
✅ Apply enough Use around 35ml (6–8 teaspoons) to cover the body of an average adult. Don’t skimp — coverage matters!
✅ Stay in the shade Take breaks in shaded areas where possible, especially during peak hours.
✅ Stay hydrated Drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration and heat stress.
✅ Check your skin Monitor moles or spots for changes. If something looks different, grows, itches, bleeds or doesn’t heal, see your GP.
Understanding sunscreen: SPF & star ratings
🧴 SPF (Sun Protection Factor) measures protection from UVB rays, which cause burning. The higher the number, the better the protection — but it must still be reapplied regularly.
🌟 UVA star ratings (found in a circle on the bottle) indicate protection from UVA rays, which age the skin and contribute to cancer risk. Aim for 4 or 5 stars.
💡 Top tip: If you're going to be in the sun for an extended period, apply sunscreen twice — once 30 minutes before going out, and again just before exposure.
Sun safety isn’t just for the beach - it’s important in the workplace too. Simple habits like covering up, using sunscreen, staying hydrated, and checking your skin regularly can help prevent discomfort now and serious health issues in the future.
☀️ Look after yourself and your team — stay safe in the sun, wherever you're working.
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