For most outdoor workers the sun is the primary source of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure. Construction workers, landscape gardeners, lifeguards and farmers, for example, have potentially high-risk workplaces due to the long hours they spend outdoors in the sun. This results in greater solar UVR exposures than indoor workers and places them at greater risk of developing skin cancers.

Workers who spend a significant amount of time during the day in a motor vehicle can also receive high levels of solar UVR. The laminated front windscreens and tinting of the side and rear windows can greatly reduce the amount of UVR entering the vehicle. Most automotive tints provide excellent protection against solar UVR.

Protection measures for outdoor workers from solar UVR
Approximately two thirds of the daily UVR is received in the two hours before and after solar noon, when UVR levels are at their highest. Workers should avoid exposure to the sun if possible during these times. Even on a cloudy day a worker may still receive high exposure to solar UVR due to scattering and reflection of UVR from surfaces.

A number of simple personal protection measures can help to reduce exposure from solar UVR. Wearing clothing that covers as much unprotected skin as possible is an effective method of reducing UVR exposure. A standardized UPF rating system (AS/NZS 4399:1996 'Sun Protective Clothing-Evaluation and Classification') has been developed to assist consumers in choosing clothing that offers suitable sun protection. The higher the UPF rating the greater the UVR protection offered by the clothing. Garments with UPF ratings of 30 or higher provide all day sun protection to areas of the body they cover.

Wearing a hat can provide significant protection to the face, neck, ears and eyes. The measure of protection provided by a hat is determined by the design; broad brimmed (more than 7cm) hats provide the best protection for the face, neck and ears. Where hard hats are required, brim or neck flaps should be worn.

For the eyes, sunglasses that comply with AS/NZS 1067: 2003 'Sunglasses and fashion spectacles' provide excellent protection from exposure to solar UVR. The design of the sunglass frames is very important. Wrap-around style sunglasses reduce the amount of scattered and reflected solar UVR reaching the eyes.

For skin not protected by other means, broad-spectrum sunscreens with SPF ratings of at least 15 but preferably 30+ applied correctly can provide good sun protection. Factors such as thickness of application, absorption into the skin, sweating and contact with water must be taken into consideration as they can reduce the effectiveness of the sunscreen. The sunscreen must also be reapplied frequently.

Shade structures can also provide protection from solar UVR, however, the level of personal protection depends on the UPF rating of the material and the amount of scattered and reflected solar UVR from the environment, which can significantly reduce their effectiveness. If a shade structure offers only partial protection then additional measures may be required.

Personal behaviour of workers is an important factor in limiting the exposure to solar UVR. If personal protection measures are not used or used inappropriately then workplace education programs may be required to educate workers to improve their perception of sun protection. Workers with photosensitivity reactions to UVR may require additional protective measures.