How To Promote Sun Safety in the Workplace

July’s UV Safety Awareness Month is a great time to raise awareness about the dangers of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, educate employees about sun protection habits and encourage early detection of skin cancer. This blog offers helpful facts, tips and fun ways to get everyone in your workplace involved in sun safety. 

Dig you know?

• Skin cancer is more common than most people realize. More Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer each year than all other cancers combined, and at least one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70.¹  
• Having five or more sunburns in a lifetime doubles a person’s risk for melanoma, the most dangerous form of the disease.²  
• Approximately 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers and 86 percent of melanomas are associated with exposure to UV radiation from the sun.³  

Fortunately, when melanoma is detected early, the five-year survival rate is over 99 percent.⁴ That’s why sun safety awareness and early detection efforts are so important. 

As with other diseases, there are implications for the workplace. Every year, Americans lose more than $100 million in productivity due to restricted activity or absence from work caused by skin cancer.⁵ The annual cost of treating skin cancers in the United States is estimated at $8.1 billion.⁶ So, for employers, supporting sun safety in the workplace isn’t just a good well-being practice—it may also result in reduced healthcare costs.  

UV Safety Awareness Month is an ideal time to launch or reinforce sun safety programming. Here are some suggestions to get you started. 

20 employee activities to try for sun safety month.

Educational activities to increase awareness.

• Sun Safety basics: Host a lunch-and-learn or webinar featuring a dermatologist or occupational health nurse. Topics can include understanding UV radiation and its effects; proper sunscreen use (including SPF, application timing and reapplication); the “ABCDE” (Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter and Evolving) rule of melanoma detection; and the importance of annual skin cancer screenings.
• Daily awareness tips: Throughout July, share UV safety facts, sun protection reminders and skin self-exam guidance through internal communications, email campaigns and workplace social media. A simple daily tip can go a long way toward changing habits. 
• Skin cancer risk education: Many employees don’t know that skin cancer can affect anyone regardless of skin tone, or that cumulative sun exposure drives risk. Sharing this information can motivate employees who may not think of themselves as “at risk” to take protective measures. 
• Outdoor worker support: If your workforce includes employees—like agricultural and construction workers—who spend time outdoors, plan an event that acknowledges their higher UV exposure and offer ways they can seek better protection either through sunscreen or protective clothing.  
• Manager training: Equip managers to support employees who may be navigating a skin cancer diagnosis or dermatology appointments. Conversations about scheduling flexibility and leave can make a significant difference during a stressful time. 

Fundraising and support activities.

• Don’t Fry Day awareness: The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention designates the Friday before Memorial Day as “Don’t Fry Day,” but the spirit of the campaign translates well for July. Encourage employees to take a pledge to practice sun safety, and consider a friendly challenge or photo campaign using #SunSafeSelfie. 
• Fun in the shade challenge: UV exposure is greatest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so the best way to reduce skin cancer risk is to find a shady spot during those hours. Challenge employees to take part in activities that allow them to spend time outside, but out of the sun. Ideas include: reading, picnicking, doing yoga, meditating, engaging in great conversation or taking a midday nap. Encourage employees to enjoy some shade time and share their favorite sunless activities on workplace social media. 
• Sunscreen stations: Stock break rooms, outdoor areas and building entrances with broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen throughout July. It’s a simple, low-cost benefit that signals you take employee health seriously.  
• Awareness merchandise: Distribute UV-protective items such as company-branded wide-brimmed hats, sun-protective sleeves or UV-blocking sunglasses as raffle prizes or recognition gifts. These practical items reinforce healthy behavior long after July ends. 
• Fundraising for skin cancer research: Partner with organizations like The Skin Cancer Foundation or the American Cancer Society to host fundraising events (think: steps challenge, bake sale or virtual auction) with proceeds benefiting skin cancer research or free screening programs. 

Community engagement activities.

• Free skin cancer screenings: Partner with a local dermatology practice, health system or your well-being program to offer onsite or subsidized skin cancer screenings. The Skin Cancer Foundation runs a Destination Healthy Skin mobile screening program in cities across the country—check to see if it’s scheduled near your organization this summer. 
• Local dermatology partnerships: Connect employees with resources for finding a board-certified dermatologist, especially those who have never had a professional skin exam. Many employees don’t know that annual skin exams are recommended for all adults. 
• Volunteer opportunities: Organize employee volunteer teams to participate in community skin cancer awareness events, health fairs or screenings hosted by local cancer organizations. These activities build team connection while giving back. 
• Family-focused resources: Share sun safety resources that employees can use at home with their families—especially for children, whose early sun exposure can have lasting consequences. One blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles a person’s chances of developing melanoma later in life.⁷  

Workplace support and policy initiatives.

• UV Safety Challenge: Sunscreen is our friend all year long—even on cloudy days. As a summer well-being initiative, challenge your employees to wear sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher is best) at least four times a week to encourage UV safety. And, of course, provide employee rewards for doing so: well-being program points or time off (say, 15-minute increments for each day they wear sunscreen) are both great motivators. 
• Sun safety policies for outdoor workers: Review your occupational health and safety policies to ensure sun protection is addressed for employees who work outdoors. Practical measures might include providing sunscreen, allowing UV-protective clothing, scheduling outdoor work during lower-UV hours and creating shaded rest areas. 
• H2O Required Challenge. Skin cancer isn’t the only risk during the summer. Heat stroke is also something to pay attention to—especially in states where the heat index regularly rises above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Staying hydrated is key to avoiding heat-related illness and it’s also essential for heart function, alertness and controlling appetite. Challenge employees to keep a large bottle of water handy and sip regularly—especially before, during and after physical activity. If possible, provide branded BPA-free water bottles as employee rewards or incentives. 
• Benefits review: Confirm that your health plans cover annual dermatology exams and skin cancer screenings. Communicate this benefit clearly to employees, as many may not know it’s covered or may not think to use it. 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and care navigation support: If you have an EAP or health advocacy service as part of your employee benefits package, these resources can help employees find dermatologists, understand a new diagnosis or navigate treatment options. 
• Flexible scheduling for dermatology appointments: Skin cancer diagnoses and treatment—which can involve multiple follow-up procedures—can place real demands on employees’ schedules. Affirm your commitment to supporting employees through flexible scheduling.

Support sun safety at work all year long.

The most effective workplace sun safety efforts extend well beyond July. Consider incorporating these elements into your year-round employee well-being strategy: 

• Remind employees that UV exposure is year-round: UV rays can cause skin damage even on cloudy days and in winter months. Sun safety is not a seasonal practice. 
• Include annual skin exam reminders in your well-being communications, particularly in spring before UV exposure peaks. 
• Revisit outdoor worker safety policies at least annually to ensure they reflect current CDC and OSHA guidance. 
• Use confidential surveys to understand how many employees may be navigating a skin cancer diagnosis or managing a family member’s treatment, so you can tailor your support resources accordingly. 
• Ensure your well-being communications regularly address preventive screenings. Skin cancer, like many cancers, is most treatable when caught early. 

As you plan your organization’s UV Safety Awareness Month agenda, choose activities that fit your workplace culture and the nature of your workforce. A mix of education, community engagement and practical support will help employees build healthier habits, take prevention seriously and feel that their employer genuinely cares about their health—inside and outside of the office. 

WebMD Health Services offers personalized well-being programs that help organizations implement effective preventive care strategies. Request a demo today and explore how to create a well-supported workplace.