28 May 2026

Protecting Yourself against High UV Levels

2026 has been a mixed bag weather wise, but it’s safe to say we’ve had more than our fair share of rain and grey miserable skies. It’s very easy to get carried away when the sun finally makes an appearance.

It doesn’t need to be a particularly hot day for the sun to be harmful. Checking UV levels during March-October will help you prevent skin damage.

If you are working outdoors, protect your skin:

Regularly apply sunscreen Apply every 2-hours, or more frequently if you’re sweating. Choose a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher with a UVA rating of 4 or 5 stars.
Cover up where possible Understandably, the idea of wearing long sleeve shirts or trousers when it’s hot sounds unbearable. However, if you have any lightweight clothing suitable for hotter days, this will increase your protection. The more your skin is exposed, the more potential there is for damage.
Protect your head and neck Two of the most common places for skin cancer are the neck and ears. Wearing a lightweight snood or neck gaiters can provide cover from harmful UV rays.
Protect your eyes Sun exposure doesn’t just damage our skin–it can lead to cataracts if your eyes aren’t properly protected. Sunglasses with UV400 protection or a CE mark are recommended.
Take a break in the shade Limit your exposure to the sun by taking breaks in shaded areas whenever possible, particularly between 11am-3pm when the UV rays are at their highest
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! You’re likely to get dehydrated quicker when working in the sun. Keep a refillable bottle with you and make a conscious effort to drink more frequently than usual.
Check UV levels It takes just 10 seconds to check, but it’s crucial to know the levels you’re going to be exposed to, even on cloudy, cold, or overcast days. Apps such as Met Office, BBC Weather, iPhone or Android weather apps, or simply searching Google will tell you what you need to know.

Check out the NFRC Sun Safety webpage which explains employer and employee responsibility and links to a range of useful resources including HSGS41 Working Outdoors in Hot Weather