The Weather Channel predicts a scorching summer of 2020 for the continental US, with warmer-than-normal temperatures expected in the Northeast and throughout the Great Plains and western states. The sun’s heat can cause heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and progressive conditions such as cataracts and skin cancer. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends that you educate your employees on how to stay safe in the sun.

Outdoor workers are more likely to develop skin cancer

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that Skin Cancer produces 5 million new cases in the USA each year, at an estimated annual cost of $8.1 billion. According to the Skin Care Foundation, outdoor workers are 3.5 times more likely to develop skin cancer and OSHA classifies UV as a carcinogen.

A holistic approach to skin protection

The sun’s rays attack any exposed skin, so remember that your summer PPE must also address head-to-toe protection. Best practices include:

• Make sun safety information part of your workplace wellness program. Inform employees of the signs and dangers of heat stress, and how to understand the heat index.
• Reinforce that UV rays from sunlight can damage skin in as little as 15 minutes.
• Reflection from bright surfaces like concrete or metal can increase total sun exposure.
• Visit the National Cancer Institute’s RTIPs website to find more information about sun safety programs for outdoor worksites.
• Advise workers to check their prescription medications for any side effects of extended sun exposure.

• Wide-brimmed hats — canvas or some other solid fabric, not straw — work best. 
• Long-sleeved shirts, where practical, protect arms. Long pants are preferable to shorts.
• Choose loose-fitting, tightly woven, moisture wicking fabrics.
• Wear UVA/UVB-blocking safety glasses to cut down on glare and filter harmful UV rays. Wraparound styles offer maximum protection.
• Choose lightweight, vented safety vests in high-visibility colors like yellow, orange and lime green.
• Last, but not lease, apply sunscreen to any skin not covered by PPE — arms, hands, legs, neck, nose, ears. It is important to use sunscreen on both sunny and cloudy days.

Fortunately, skin cancer is one of the most preventable conditions if proper precautions are taken. That’s why BlackHawk Industrial is now offering Ergodyne’s KREW’D 6353 SPF 50 Sunscreen. According to Ergodyne, KREW’D 6353 was designed for outdoor workers. The easy to use formula is dermatologist tested and FDA approved. Its lightweight, non-greasy clear formula absorbs quickly, is water and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes and is free of paraben/phthalates and octinoxate/oxybenzone.

Safety on the job is a combined effort between employers and employees and BlackHawk Industrial is committed to working with our customers to help keep workers safe. Our trained professionals are happy to help you with any of your questions.

We welcome you to contact us on our website or call TOLL FREE at (855) 610-1001.