During National Farm Safety and Health Week, Sept. 21-25, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach reminds farm workers that extended time outdoors increases the risk of skin damage and skin cancer from UV exposure — even outside the hot and sunny summer months.
“Farm workers are outside for many hours every day, and that adds up over a lifetime,” said Kapil Arora, field agricultural engineer with ISU Extension and Outreach. “A few simple precautions can make a real difference long-term.”
Arora recommends broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, reapplied every two hours; long sleeves, pants and SPF-rated workwear; and a wide-brimmed hat or flapped cap, since standard baseball caps leave the neck and ears exposed. Wraparound sunglasses and SPF lip balm add further protection.
Shaded, UV-tinted cabs offer the best protection for equipment operators. When that’s not available, schedule fieldwork outside the 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. peak and take breaks in the shade.
Farm workers should have any new or changing moles, unusual skin spots, or sores that don’t heal checked by a doctor.
For more information and additional resources, visit the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety or download “Remember sun safety in the field” from the ISU Extension Store.
