It strikes when you least expect it – especially in the summer. As the weather gets warmer, so does the potential for danger; a simple, beautiful summer day can also be your worst enemy. The culprit? The sun.

With all of the opportunities for summer-related functions and recreational activities, it is important to understand the potential health and safety risks that come with being out in the sun, such as hot weather and UV rays, to keep your summer full of good, healthy fun.

And the best part is that you don’t have to avoid the sun completely. Here are some tips for staying safe and cool while working in the summer sun:

• Seek shade when possible – Simply staying in the shade is one of the best ways to limit your UV exposure. UV rays reach the ground all year, even on hazy days, but the strength of UV rays can change based on the time of year and other factors.

• Protect your skin– Fortunately, there are several ways to protect your skin from UV rays.
  • Wear sunscreen – When putting on sunscreen, pay close attention to your face, ears, neck, arms, and any other areas not covered by clothing. An SPF of 15 or higher is best.
  • Protective clothing – Clothes provide different levels of UV protection; tightly woven fabric protects better than loosely woven clothing.
  • Wear a hat – A hat with at least a 2- to 3-inch brim all around is ideal because it protects areas that are often exposed to intense sun.
  • Wear sunglasses – UV-blocking sunglasses are important for protecting the delicate skin around the eyes, as well as the eyes themselves.

• Take breaks from being in direct sunlight – Even if you are properly protecting yourself from the sun’s UV rays, the heat from the sun can still be dangerous, causing illnesses and injuries like heat stroke, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, or heat rashes. Taking a break and drinking water will help you to reenergize.

HSI CAN HELP!

Keep your summer activities full of fun – and safety – with our very own “Off-the-Job Safety: Fun in the Sun” DVD. This course covers:

• Water sport safety
• Fireworks and associated hazards
• Preveting overexertion
• The sun and its effects
• Warm-up and cool-down sessions for physical activities

Check out more here!

STAY SAFE OUT THERE!