b'SUN SAFETYSUN SAFETYTips for staying safeRoofers at Higher Risk of Skin Cancera temperature between 36C and 38C.Avoid caffeine products, such as and Heat Stroke Sweating cools our bodies down, but forcoffeeorcolas,whichcandehy-thosewhoworkinhotenvironments,drate you.T hegoodnewsisafewsimplethis might not be enough. If the bodySlather on the Sunscreen peoplewear precautions can mitigate most ofheats up faster than it can cool itself, you the hazards. willexperienceheatstress,whichcanDoctorsrecommend While most of us love a sunny day,lead to heat exhaustion and heat strokesunscreen every day, but as a roofer, its whenyourjobrequiresworkingforwhich can be fatal.even more important that you wear it eight hours in direct sunlight, you couldWe cant simply tell roofers to stay outwhile working.be putting your healthand even yourof the sun when theyre on the job, saysApplybroad-spectrum sunscreen lifeat risk.Mike Neudorf, Manager of Preventionof 30 SPF or higher at least 20 Almost1.5millionCanadiansareFieldServicesatWorkSafeBC.Butminutesbeforesunexposureto exposed to the sun on the job. Rooferstherearemeasuresemployersandanyskinnotcoveredbyclothing. and other construction workers are espe- workers can take to reduce the risk ofAbetteroptioniseitheranSPF cially vulnerable as they spend almost allsun damage, heat stroke and skin cancer50,whichblocks98percentof theirworkinghoursoutdoors,wherecaused by sun exposure. UV rays, or SPF 100, which blocks their sun exposure often exceeds work- 99 per cent Waterproof sunscreen place exposure limits. Outdoor workersHere are some tips: lastslonger.Applyitliberally, are three times as likely to develop skinStay Hydrated remembering lips and ears.cancerthanthosewhoworkindoors,In very hot working conditions, experts Reapply every couple of hours assunexposurecausesmorethan90havefoundthatworkersonsitecan(or sooner, depending on how much percent of skin cancers, including mela- lose up to 1.5 litres of water in sweatyou sweat.) Wearing sunscreen will noma, which can often be deadly. Eyeevery hour.notonlyloweryourchancesof cancer from ongoing, long-term expo- gettingskincancerbutalsokeep individual containers ofyour skin from becoming irritated.sure to the sun is also a concern.Keep But skin and eye cancers arent thecool, clean water within easy only things roofers need to worry about.reachsoyoualwayshaveeasyChoose a sunscreen lotion over a spray Radiantheatfromdirectorindirectaccess to fluids. for guaranteed sun protection. sunlight(reflectionfrompavementorConsume sports drinks with elec- The sun is strongest from 11roof tops) can also lead to heat stresstrolytes as well given that your worka.m. to 3 p.m., so take your breaks injuries.Ourbodiesnaturallymaintainis very physical. in the shade during those hours.34lROOFINGBC l SUMMER 2021'