Spending time outdoors is part of the job for many of us in Cemex UK. But prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to sunburn, dehydration, heat exhaustion, and long-term risks such as skin cancer.
Protecting yourself isn’t just good practice – it’s vital for your health and wellbeing.
Top Tips for Sun Safety:
Cover Up: Where full PPE is not required, wear lightweight, long-sleeved clothing and a wide-brimmed hat or a hard hat with a neck flap.
Use Sunglasses: Choose sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays to protect your eyes from long-term damage.
Apply Sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Apply it generously 20 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours – or more often if you’re sweating.
Stay Hydrated: Drink water regularly throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Dehydration increases your risk of heat stress.
Seek Shade: When possible, take breaks in shaded or covered areas – especially during peak sun hours between 11am and 3pm.
Know the Signs: Be alert to signs of heat exhaustion – such as dizziness, headache, nausea, or confusion – and act quickly by moving to shade, drinking water, and resting.
Please download our Sun Safety poster on the UK News download page here: Top Tips for Sun Safety
Heat Stress
We’re also sharing posters to help you identify signs of heat stress, plus guidance to help manage and avoid heat stress. You can find these posters here:
Useful Resources:
- NHS advice on heat and sun safety: nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/heatwave-how-to-cope-in-hot-weather
- Cancer Research UK sun safety tips: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/sun-uv-and-cancer/sun-safety
- Further Sun Safe information can be found on the Cemex Health and Safety SharePoint here.
- UK News Sun Safe Posters and Resources: https://cemexuknews.co.uk/downloads/download-category/wellbeing-materials-stay-sun-safe/
Sun safety is a shared responsibility. Look after yourselves and each other. Make it part of your daily routine – your skin and health will thank you.