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
Economics
Mar 26, 2026
How Old is Today's Housing Stock?New home construction faces headwinds such as rising material costs, a persistent labor shortage, and elevated interest rates. These challenges have contributed to an insufficient supply of new construction, making the nation’s owner-occupied housing stock significantly older over time.
Leading Suppliers Council | Codes and Standards
Mar 25, 2026
New Electrical Code Change for Kitchen Islands: What Builders Need to KnowFor some jurisdictions, the recent revisions to the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC), specifically Section 210.52(C), change how receptacles can be installed in kitchen islands and peninsulas. But builders, designers, and electricians can consider alternative ways to provide power to kitchen islands.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Mar 26, 2026
State/Local Property Tax Revenue Rises Past $210 Billion in the Fourth QuarterProperty tax revenue collected by state and local governments rose for the ninth consecutive quarter according to the Census Bureau’s quarterly summary of state and local tax revenue.
Economics
Mar 25, 2026
Age of Housing Stock by StateAccording to the latest data from the 2024 American Community Survey (ACS), the median age of owner-occupied homes has reached 42 years old. The age of the housing stock is an important remodeling market indicator.
Economics
Mar 24, 2026
Almost Half of the Owner-Occupied Homes Built Before 1980Around 47% of the U.S. housing stock was built in the 1980s and earlier. The median age of owner-occupied homes climbed to 42 years old in 2024, up from 31 in 2005 according to the latest data from the American Community Survey.