Guides & Toolkits

34 150-008-01-IADO © 2014, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) 1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | 905 614 1400 | www.wsps.ca tailgate talks – Protect yoUrself froM tHe sUn Take steps to protect yourself Solar radiation is strongest between 11:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. It's especially important to protect your skin against the sun during these hours. Try to limit your time in the sun. That can be tough in the farm workplace! If you have to work outside all day, take your breaks indoors, if possible. At least try to get into the shade for a few minutes every hour. Liberally apply sunscreen lotion on the face, neck, hands, forearms, ears, and any other unprotected skin. Use a product with a broad spectrum sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Broad spectrum protects you from ultraviolet radiation UVA and UVB. Use a UV-blocking lip balm. Put sunscreen on before heading outdoors. Reapply the lotion as required during the day. Eye damage can result from prolonged exposure to the sun. Always wear sunglasses that filter out at least 90% of the sun's ultraviolet rays. Choose the right clothing to protect the rest of the body. 1. Cover up as much as possible. Lightweight, tightly-woven shirts and long pants will block most of the sun's rays. Light coloured cotton is most comfortable under hot summer conditions. Garments should fit comfortably and not be too tight. However, loose or floppy clothes should not be worn if there is any chance you will be working around machinery. 2. You must wear a hat. It should shade the ears, face, temples, and back of the neck. Standard baseball caps don't offer much protection against the sun. You need to add a neck shade to protect the back of the neck and the ears. The best choices in head gear include pith helmets and straw hats with extra wide brims. Learn to recognize skin problems We all need to check our skin regularly for signs of damage that could indicate a health problem. Take a close look at the top of your head, face, lips, and the tips of your ears. Use a full length mirror for a "head-to-toe" inspection. wsps.ca

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