We all love a bask in the sun from time to time — especially if it’s on a warm beach or in your garden on a summer’s day. But when you work outdoors, overly warm weather may not be ideal for your health or for the projects that you’re working on. Knowing how to protect yourself from sun damage is important at any time of year. Not only can too much time in the sun harm your eyesight and put you at risk of dehydration, but it can also cause severe health problems in the long term, like skin cancer and a suppressed immune system. Heat can affect your work area too, for example by warping tools and equipment. To mark the rumored end of Spring heatwave, Zoro have put together these five tips for tradespeople looking to avoid the effects of sun damage. Wear the right clothing First things first, you need to make sure you have the right kit to keep yourself protected from the sun. When things start to heat up it can be tempting to remove your shirt to cool down, but this will only expose more of your skin to harmful rays. Instead, you should look for clothing and PPE that is lightweight, breathable, or moisture-wicking. These can circulate the air close to your skin, absorb sweat, and keep you nice and cool all while providing a barrier from the sun. While adding more clothing may seem counter intuitive, it is recommended that you wear a baseball cap or a hat with a brim to keep the sun off your face if your work doesn’t require you to wear a hard hat. Some hats also include flaps that can cover your neck and prevent sunburn there, too. Protect your eyes Our eyes are often forgotten about when it comes to sun protection, but harsh light can cause discomfort and even damage to these delicate organs. It’s worth taking the time to find a pair of sunglasses that are comfortable to wear and fit you properly — otherwise you may be tempted to remove them if they’re irritating, or you might fail to replace them if they fall off and become damaged. If you are short or long-sighted, you could speak to your optician about reactive lenses for your current eyewear, so you don’t have to carry two pairs of glasses around with you on site. Take breaks in the shade It’s important to get out of the sun when you can, particularly in the middle of the day when it’s at its brightest. Try and schedule your breaks between the hours of 11am and 3pm, so you can spend some of the hottest part of the day inside, plus grab a drink and re-apply your sunscreen (you should be topping it up every two hours). If you can’t go inside, you should think about setting up a shaded area close to your workstation or requesting a tent or marquee from your site manager (if you have one). Your tools and equipment can suffer in the heat as well, expanding, warping, or melting in extreme cases. So, invest in some coverings that can keep the sun off them when you’re taking a break or when they’re otherwise not being used. Just like you would in frosty weather, cover masonry and other projects in polythene or hessian sheets to block the sun’s rays. Practice proper skincare Skincare professionals usually suggest a minimum of SPF 15 to protect your skin from UV rays, but for extensive work out in the sun you might want to consider using a high factor of at least 30 to ensure you’re properly protected. If you’re not used to wearing lotions on your skin, don’t worry — skin products have come a long way since the greasy creams and balms you might remember from your childhood. Many lotions, moisturisers and day creams contain sun protection while keeping your skin hydrated, so they’re a good two-for-one to consider. It’s a good idea to get into the habit of checking your skin for new moles and dark spots, particularly ones that are itchy or sore. The sooner you react to skin cancer the better, so be sure to get anything unusual checked out by your GP just in case. Stay hydrated Drinking plenty of water is recommended for everyone, not just outdoor workers. But being dehydrated is much more dangerous than many people think, and if you’re labouring in hot weather without an adequate supply, you risk heat stroke, fainting, accidents, and much worse. So, make sure you have a refillable water bottle with you on every job. You should also consider drinking less fizzy drinks while you work, as well reducing the amount of tea and coffee you consume. This is because sugar and caffeine can often make dehydration worse. Instead, stick to water, sugar-free squash, or electrolyte-replacing sports drinks to stay hydrated.

The employee’s head-to-toe safety is paramount, especially for construction, factory, and hazardous jobs. Aside from annual checkups, workers should be equipped with the right safety gear. Worker footwear matters a lot, influencing productivity, health, safety, and overall job performance. One type of footwear includes waterproof work boots. But are they worth it? Find out the answer if waterproof work boots are worth it by reading below. Waterproof Boots Keep The Feet Dry Keep your feet dry with waterproof boots designed to repel water away from your feet. Also, this footwear is highly recommended for construction workers because they keep the boots dry and will still be in good condition for a long time.  Even if the sun is high, the construction site can be full of mud. Hence, the waterproof feature of your construction boots can be highly beneficial, buying a branded one shouldn’t be easily damaged after getting off a muddy place. You can buy waterproof construction boots online conveniently from a reputable brand. Here are the advantages of keeping the feet dry when working on the construction site: Avoid smelly feet due to moisture and water penetration.  Reduce discomfort while working in muddy construction areas. Prevent foot fungal infections such as athlete’s foot. Waterproof Boots Protect the Feet  Construction field workers such as engineers, architects, and construction workers should wear durable footwear to protect their feet from hazards that cause injury. Waterproof work boots protect the feet from water exposure. The materials used for creating waterproof construction boots are of good quality. Even if it rains, your boots won’t get wet for a long time. Waterproof boots are generally made with rubber, vinyl, nylon, neoprene, or polyurethane. Construction boots made of nylon, leather, and other coated materials are water-resistant. Here are the things that waterproof boots can protect the feet from: Flying and Falling Objects: Because construction workers usually operate and carry heavy equipment and materials. Objects can fly and fall accidentally, causing injury to the feet. Waterproof work boots can prevent foot crushing injuries. Punctures: Sharp objects are everywhere on the construction site. That’s why fieldworkers should wear work shoes with thick materials and heavy-duty soles, surrounding the foot for the best protection.  Cutting Hazards: Construction and manufacturing machinery contain moving components such as sharp blades, exposing the workers to cutting hazards. Wearing construction boots help protect the feet from chainsaws and other tools and equipment that may come in contact with the feet.  Electricity: Electric shocks and the static electricity are safety risks in construction sites and other workplaces. Avoid an electrical accident by wearing waterproof work boots. A pair of high-quality waterproof work boots are non-conductive footwear, usually made from rubber, leather, or other materials. Slips, Falls, and Trips: These workplace accidents can cause injury to the feet. Aside from installing an anti-slip floor and avoiding walking on slippery floors, wearing proper footwear can provide extra protection against slips, falls, and trips because of appropriate traction. Burns: Fire can happen in any workplace, which may result in chemical burns. Footwear, such as construction work boots are made from durable materials. Waterproof boots prevent burns from molten metal splashes, chemicals splashes, and other dangerous substances, posing injury to the feet. Waterproof Boots are Comfortable to Wear Waterproof work boots are comfortable to wear. Workers feel good that they wouldn’t mind taking it off after fieldwork. When choosing waterproof construction boots, make sure to choose the right brand featuring great durability and promoting optimum foot comfort. Also, good brands of waterproof boots are stylish to wear, matching the rugged look of field workers.  OSHA Compliant According to OHSA, employers should ensure that affected employees use protective footwear in work areas where there’s a danger of foot injuries caused by rolling or falling objects. Industrial and construction businesses should comply with OSHA requirements by following guidelines on appropriate safety shoes in the workplace.  Regardless of the nature and size of your business or job, it’s crucial to follow OSHA guidelines to ensure a safe and healthy workplace.  Are Waterproof Work Boots Worth It? Waterproof work boots are a worthwhile investment given the best features and benefits of this type of footwear. Choosing the right waterproof work boots will help protect both employees and employers from safety hazards in the construction industry.  Conclusion Waterproof construction boots are worth the investment. They keep the feet dry and protected from all sorts of hazards. Also, waterproof boots are very comfortable to wear with less worry on your feet, improving productivity at the job site. Protect your feet from burns, punctures, cuts, electricity, injuries from trips, falls, and slips.