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Facts
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Workplace Health isn't new, it's been around for a long time and known as things like the 'soft side of business' or 'the perks'.
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Success Stories
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Northwestern Ontario shares their workplace wellness stories
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Resources
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For a complete listing
of our resources
Click Here
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#1 Sun Safety for Outdoor Workers
People who work outdoors spend most of the day exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Risks related to over exposure to UV rays include: sunburn, eye damage, premature aging of the skin and lip and skin cancer. People today have a 1 in 7 chance of developing some type of skin cancer during their lifetime.
Reduce your risk by:
- Applying a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher and re-applying every two hours or more often if sweating.
- Using a lip balm with SPF 15 or higher.
- Wearing clothing that covers arms and legs
- Wearing a broad rimmed hat or neck protector under a hard hat
- Putting on 100% UV protective sunglasses.
- Taking breaks indoors or in shaded areas.
- Drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
For more information contact your local Northwestern Health Unit
#2 Sun Safety for Outdoor Workers
Did you know that ultraviolet rays from the sun can penetrate through clouds, fog and haze? Water, sand, snow and concrete can reflect and increase the sun’s burning rays.
Protect your skin by:
- Applying a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher. Remember to re-apply every 2 hours or more often if sweating.
- Covering arms and legs.
- Wearing a wide brimmed hat or neck protector under a hard hat and wrap-around 100% UV protective sunglasses.
- Seeking or creating shade during breaks and whenever possible.
- Avoiding the summer sun between 11 am and 4 pm when possible.
For more information contact your local Northwestern Health Unit.
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#3 Sun Safety for Outdoor Workers
Before starting your work day listen to the local radio station or visit www.weathernetwork.com for the weather forecast and UV Index reading. The UV Index is a measurement of the intensity of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays on the earth’s surface.
When the UV Index reads:
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| 0 -2 Low |
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Minimal protection required for normal activities.Wear sunglasses on bright days. If outside for more than1 hour, cover up and use sunscreen. Reflection off snowcan nearly double UV strength. Wear sunglasses and apply sunscreen.
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| 3-5 Moderate |
Take precautions - cover up, wear a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses – especially if you will be outside for 30 minutes or more. Look for shade near midday when the sun is strongest |
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| 6-7 High |
Protection required-UV damages the skin and can cause sunburn. Reduce time in the sun between 11 am & 4 pmand take full precautions – seek shade, cover up, wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
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| 8-10 Very High |
Extra precautions required. Unprotected skin will be damaged and can burn quickly. Avoid the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. and take full precautions - seek shade, and cover up, wear a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.
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| 11 Extreme |
Values of 11 or more are very rare in Canada. However, the UV index can reach 14 or more in the tropics and southern U.S. Take full precautions. Unprotected skin will be damaged and can burn in minutes. Avoid the sun between 11 am and 4 pm, cover up, wear a hat, sun- glasses and sunscreen. White sand and other bright surfaces reflect UV and increase UV exposure. |
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Canada.
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Health
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What makes people healthy? Some people say genetics – how healthy your parents or grandparents are. Others say that it’s lifestyle – what you eat, how much you exercise etc.
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Talk Back
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We’d like to know what you think about our site and about the HealthWorks program. Is there a need for resources in your workplace that you don’t see on our site? Is the site easy to navigate and to find what you’re looking for? Let us know.
Send your ideas to us at :
info@nwohealthworks.org
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