Protecting Outdoor Employees During Peak Summer Conditions
Summer brings longer days and more opportunities to get work done outdoors, but it also increases one of the most overlooked workplace hazards: ultraviolet (UV) radiation. While many people associate sun exposure with a day at the beach, employees in construction, transportation, landscaping, agriculture, and other outdoor industries face UV exposure as part of their everyday jobs.
Extended exposure to the sun doesn’t just lead to painful sunburns. It can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, eye damage, premature skin aging, and even skin cancer. That’s why protecting employees from UV exposure should be a key part of every workplace safety program.
Why UV Safety Matters
Unlike many workplace hazards, UV radiation is invisible, making it easy to underestimate the risks. Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can still reach the earth, meaning employees can experience harmful exposure without realizing it.
When UV exposure is combined with high temperatures, humidity, and physically demanding work, employees become even more vulnerable to heat stress and dehydration. Employers who take a proactive approach to both heat and UV safety can help reduce preventable injuries while creating a healthier work environment.
Tips to Help Protect Outdoor Employees
Creating a safer workplace starts with building consistent habits. Employers can encourage employees to:
Wear Appropriate Protective Clothing
Long-sleeved, lightweight shirts, long pants, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses can significantly reduce sun exposure while still allowing employees to work comfortably.
Apply Sunscreen Regularly
Workers should use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and reapply it every two hours, or more frequently if they’re sweating heavily.
Stay Hydrated
Proper hydration helps the body regulate temperature and reduces the risk of heat-related illnesses. Make clean drinking water easily accessible and encourage employees to drink water throughout the day, even before they feel thirsty.
Schedule Work Strategically
When possible, schedule the most physically demanding outdoor tasks during the cooler morning hours or later in the afternoon. Limiting work during peak UV hours can reduce employees’ overall exposure.
Take Breaks in Shaded or Cool Areas
Providing shaded rest areas or cooled indoor spaces gives employees an opportunity to recover from both heat and sun exposure throughout the workday.
Train Employees to Recognize Warning Signs
Employees and supervisors should know how to identify symptoms of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, severe sunburn, and dehydration so they can respond quickly before conditions become emergencies.
Supervisor Accountability Makes the Difference
A successful safety program goes beyond providing sunscreen and water. Supervisors play an important role in reinforcing safe behaviors every day.
Managers should routinely monitor weather conditions, adjust work schedules as needed, remind employees to hydrate, encourage compliance with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and watch for signs of heat stress among their crews. Regular safety meetings help keep UV and heat safety top of mind throughout the summer.
When safety expectations become part of the daily routine, employees are more likely to follow them consistently.
Building a Stronger Workplace Safety Program
Protecting employees from UV exposure shouldn’t be treated as a seasonal reminder. It should be integrated into your company’s overall safety strategy.
Establishing written policies, documenting safety training, conducting regular jobsite inspections, and maintaining clear reporting procedures all help create a culture where employee safety is a priority.
For businesses with outdoor workforces, combining UV protection, heat illness prevention, hydration practices, and proper PPE into one comprehensive program can reduce workplace injuries while supporting compliance and employee well-being.
How a PEO Can Help Improve Workplace Safety
Managing workplace safety requires more than handing out PPE. Employers must stay current with changing regulations, provide ongoing training, maintain documentation, and build programs that employees actually follow.
Partnering with a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) like Group Management Services (GMS) gives businesses access to experienced risk management professionals who help develop practical safety programs tailored to their workforce.
GMS helps employers by:
- Developing customized workplace safety programs
- Providing ongoing employee safety training
- Assisting with OSHA compliance and documentation
- Supporting accident prevention initiatives
- Helping businesses create repeatable safety routines that reduce workplace risk
Instead of relying on occasional reminders, businesses can build a proactive safety culture that protects employees year-round.