Use NAHB Resource to Keep Workers Safe from UV Exposure
As NAHB celebrates UV Safety Awareness Month in July, it is important for home builders and general contractors to educate workers about the potential risks associated with ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and have plans and resources in place to keep them safe on the jobsite.
Why UV Awareness Matters
Ultraviolet radiation can come from both natural and artificial sources. The sun is the main source of exposure for most people — and specifically those working in construction. Overexposure to UV radiation can lead to serious health issues, including sunburn, skin cancer, premature aging and eye damage. UV Awareness Month serves as a timely reminder to protect workers against these risks.
Practical Tips for UV and Heat Stress Protection
UV intensity is typically at its strongest as temperatures begin to climb during the summer. Workers can better protect themselves from sun and UV exposure with the following recommendations:
- Wear sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15 and apply it to all uncovered skin, especially your nose, ears, neck, hands, feet and lips. Reapply every two hours or more often depending on the level of activity.
- Avoid extensive periods in the sun, seek shade as needed, and limit time in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV rays are the most intense.
- Wear protective clothing that covers your arms and legs. Wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses with UV protection are also crucial.
- Review the UV index before the beginning of each shift.
- Avoid artificial UV sources, including tanning beds, lasers, mercury vapor lighting, halogen and fluorescent lighting.
- Understand basic first aid and heat stress response measures, which can be found in NAHB’s Video Toolbox Talk on heat stress safety and on the NIOSH website.
Spreading Awareness to Workers
Understanding the basics of sun safety can help prevent injuries and illnesses. More information on what employers and workers can do to stay safe can be found in NAHB’s Heat Stress Safety Toolkit.
Additional Resources
OSHA Heat Illness Prevention Campaign
Latest from NAHBNow
Sponsored Content
Jan 30, 2026
What 700+ Real Estate Pros Say About Marketing in 2026 and Where Builders Are Losing GroundHeading into 2026, businesses across real estate are planning for growth — but with caution. Results from a recent survey point to a clear shift: while marketing investment is holding strong, the biggest opportunity – and risk – now sits in responsiveness and follow-up.
Land Development
Jan 30, 2026
How Can Density and Varying Housing Types Influence Local Tax Bases?Developed in partnership with Urban3, NAHB’s new Value of Land Use Efficiency video and infographic resource takes a data-driven look at how a wide range of residential development types contribute to local tax bases relative to the public services they require.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Jan 30, 2026
Bathroom Remodeling Is Most Common Project in 2025Every quarter, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) conducts a survey of professional remodelers. The first part of the survey collects the information required to produce the NAHB/Westlake Royal Remodeling Market Index (RMI).
Economics
Jan 29, 2026
Saving Rate Falls to 3.5% in NovemberPersonal income rose 0.3% in November 2025, following a 0.1% increase in October, according to the latest data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Gains were largely driven by higher wages and dividend income. However, income growth has cooled noticeably from peaking at a monthly increase of 1.1% in July 2022 to 0.3% now.
Economics
Jan 28, 2026
Holding Pattern for the FedThe Fed paused its easing cycle at the conclusion of the January meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee, the central bank’s monetary policy body. The Fed held the short-term federal funds rate at a top rate of 3.75%, the level set in December. This marked the first policy pause since the Fed resumed easing in September of last year.