Total Landscape Care Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/319872
W ith the cold weather finally giv- ing way to sunnier days in most areas, it's becoming even more important to stay cool and protected while outside this summer. As National Safety Month, June is the perfect time for land- scapers to address sun safety with their crews – something that is causing prob- lems for many workers. In the past two decades, melanoma cases among Hispanics have grown almost 20 percent, according to the Skin Can- cer Foundation. And since there are more than 500,000 Hispanic workers in the landscape industry across the United States – according to the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce – it's important for business owners to teach their employees how to stay safe in the sun. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause premature skin aging, wrinkles, cataracts and skin cancer. Here are tips from OSHA to help reduce the harmful effects of being in the sun: Cover up: Wear clothing that blocks out light. To test a garment, place your hand under the fabric when in front of a light source. If you can see your hand, the clothing does not provide much protec- tion. Also, wear a wide-brim hat, which will protect your neck, ears, eyes, nose, forehead and scalp. UV- absorbent sunglasses can also provide protection. Lather up: Sunscreen of at least 15 SPF blocks 93 percent of UV rays. Reapply as directed on the bottle/tube. Wise up. UV rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., which is the main workday for most crews. Be mindful of the rays, and find shade when possible. Check up. Be on the lookout for irregular or large moles that could be skin cancer. If you have freckles, fair skin or blond, red or light brown hair, you have an increased chance of burning. For more tips on working in the heat, turn to page 19. To read and download more safety ar- ticles, visit totallandscapecare.com/safetywatch. 8 To t a l L a n d s c a p e C a r e . c o m J U N E 2 014 fieldreport: Sun Protection Cases of skin cancer in Hispanic population drastically increase