Sunlight, Work and Skin Risk

Outdoor jobs such as gardeners, gravediggers, pavers, asphalters, sanitation crews, and sailors are exposed to high levels of solar ultraviolet rays, a leading factor that can trigger squamous cell skin cancer.

Key Findings

• Measured UV levels for these workers often exceed the standard limit of 30 J/m² set for an eight‑hour shift.
• The peak sunlight hours contribute most to the excess exposure.
• Continuous outdoor work leads to cumulative UV doses that increase over time.

Health Implications

• Higher risk of squamous cell carcinoma for outdoor workers compared to indoor colleagues.
• Rising cancer rates in this group remain underreported and frequently unrecognized as work‑related illnesses.

Recommendations

• Implement stronger protective measures:
• Shade structures on work sites.
• Mandatory sunscreen use for all outdoor personnel.
• Scheduled breaks during the hottest part of the day to reduce UV dose.

Policy Gap

• Current occupational health guidelines may not be strict enough for high‑risk professions.
• Greater awareness and monitoring by employers and employees are essential to reduce future skin cancer cases.