Top Sun Safety Tips for Roofers

EVERY SUMMER millions of roofing industry professionals face the risk of dehydration and heat stress as well as the increased risk of an accident happening because of tiredness and lack of concentration.

Too much sunlight can be extremely harmful to your skin, causing sunburn and blistering as well as irreversible ageing. In the long term, it can also lead to an increased risk of skin cancer, one of the most common forms of cancer in the UK.

Sun Safety Tips

In a bid to ensure tradespeople stay safe in the sun, experts from LeaseVan have compiled eight tips to help avoid sun burn and heat stroke whilst working outside:

1. Stay Hydrated
   The importance of staying hydrated when it’s hot outside cannot be emphasised enough. If you wait until you’re thirsty before you drink water, you may be beyond the point needed to replenish fluids. Make sure you drink water every 15 to 20 minutes.

2. Ditch the Caffeine
   In excess, caffeine can prompt dehydration. Don’t forget that energy drinks usually contain a high dose of caffeine as well, so even if you think you need a lift to get through a tough afternoon, try to avoid it during the heat.

3. Dress Appropriately
   Be sure to wear cool, loose-fitting clothing in light-coloured fabrics that breathe and help to maintain a healthy body temperature. If you can wear a hat on the job, make sure you do so. Whilst it’s tempting to remove clothing when temperatures are soaring, leaving your skin exposed to the sun can do more harm than good.

4. Sun Cream
   Even if you’re properly dressed for the conditions, it’s impossible not have some skin exposed, so make sure you apply a sun cream that has an SPF rating of at least 30.

5. Eat Right
   If you’re working in the heat avoid a heavy lunch, especially protein-rich meats. Small snacks and light meals are preferable throughout the day, as your body creates more metabolic heat if it’s breaking down heavy foods.

6. Take Shelter
   Even if you’re properly dressed for the conditions and you’ve slathered your body in sun cream, it’s a good idea to get out of the sun as often as possible throughout the day. Take breaks in the shade and, if possible, move some tasks to covered areas.

7. Cut Back at Happy Hour
   There’s nothing wrong with unwinding after a long, hot day on the job with an alcoholic beverage, but you shouldn’t overdo it during a heatwave as you’ll feel alcohol’s dehydrating effects the next day.

8. Pace Yourself
   Wherever possible, slow down and work at an even pace. Make sure you know your limits and don’t ignore the warning signs if you’re starting to feel exhausted. Warnings signs of heat exhaustion can include heavy sweating, rapid pulse, dizziness, goose bumps, muscle cramps and head ache.

>> Read more sun safety tips in the news