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Sun safety for outdoor workers

July 2026

People who work outdoors are among the most vulnerable groups to skin cancer. In this article, Maria McEnery of the HSE National Cancer Control Programme provides an overview of how outdoor workers can best reduce their risk.

Skin cancer remains the most common cancer in Ireland, with over 11,000 cases diagnosed every year. Current projections show that the number of cases is expected to more than double by 2045. The good news is that most skin cancers are preventable by protecting skin and eyes from ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and not using artificial sources such as sunbeds.

Why outdoor workers are at greater risk

People who work outdoors are among those at highest risk of skin cancer. Outdoor workers typically receive two to three times more UV exposure than indoor workers, increasing their risk of skin cancer, eye damage and premature ageing of the skin.

Both intermittent (sporadic) and long-term (chronic) sun exposure are harmful. Episodes of sunburn are particularly damaging, but regular, non‑burning exposure also significantly increases skin cancer risk. As UV damage builds up over time, daily protection is essential for anyone who spends all or part of their working day outdoors.

Understanding UV damage

UV radiation can harm the skin and eyes in both the short and long term:

Short‑term effects include skin reddening, sunburn and tanning; and
Long‑term effects may take years to appear and include premature skin ageing, eye damage and skin cancer.

People often associate skin damage with heat, but it is UV radiation — not temperature — that causes harm. UV rays cannot be seen or felt, and they can be strong even on cool, cloudy days.

Protect your skin every day

In Ireland, the UV index is usually three or higher between April and September, even when cloud cover is present. UV radiation is typically strongest between 11.00am and 3.00pm. However, because UV damage builds up over time, outdoor workers should consider using sun protection all year-round.

You should protect your skin and eyes whenever the UV index is three or above. Daily UV forecasts are available from Met Éireann at met.ie/uv-index.

UV radiation can also:

Reflect off water, sand, concrete and light‑coloured surfaces; and
Pass through glass, meaning drivers and people working near windows can still receive significant exposure.

Because UV damage accumulates over time, sun protection should be used every working day especially from April to September, not just on hot or sunny days.

Reduce your risk of skin cancer by following the SunSmart 5 S’s

Protect your skin every day between April and September by following the 5 S’s of SunSmart:

Slip on protective clothing: Wear clothing that covers as much skin as possible, such as long‑sleeved tops and collared shirts. Where available, choose UV‑protective workwear;
Slop on sunscreen: Apply a generous amount of broad‑spectrum SPF 30+ or higher sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays and is labelled water resistant. Reapply regularly, especially after sweating, towel‑drying or prolonged outdoor work. Sunscreen should be your last line of defence, applied to areas of skin that you can’t cover, not your only form of protection;
Slap on a hat: Wear a wide‑brimmed hat that shades your face, neck and ears. For construction and outdoor trade workers, use a helmet fitted with a brim and neck flap;
Seek shade: Work in the shade wherever possible, using trees, shelters or portable shade. If practical, plan work schedules to reduce exposure during peak UV hours (11.00am to 3.00pm) and arrange breaks and lunch in shaded areas; and
Slide on sunglasses: Wear UV‑protective sunglasses or safety glasses that meet safety standards. Wrap‑around or close‑fitting styles offer the best protection.

What employers and workers can do together

Supporting the SunSmart 5 S’s in the workplace helps reduce UV risk and supports long‑term worker health. Practical steps include:

Including sun protection as part of workplace health and safety programmes;
Regularly reminding staff of UV risks through toolbox talks, posters and leaflets;
Planning how, where and when outdoor work is carried out;
Scheduling outdoor tasks earlier in the morning or later in the day where possible;
Providing shade, sunscreen and sun‑protective clothing as control measures;
Ensuring managers and supervisors act as positive SunSmart role models; and
Developing a UV protection policy and incorporating UV exposure into risk assessments.

Outdoor workers need to protect themselves, and employers must recognise their responsibility to protect workers from UV exposure. While sun exposure cannot be eliminated, practical SunSmart measures can significantly reduce the risk of skin cancer. Protecting skin today helps prevent cancer in the future.