Campaign Targeted Farm Worker Sun Safety
The Skin Cancer Foundation and AgriSafe urged agricultural workers to prioritize sun protection during safety week.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Cancer
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The Skin Cancer Foundation and AgriSafe launched a national awareness campaign for farm laborers to combat the high occupational risk of skin cancer. The initiative coincided with National Farm Safety and Health Week to address the dangers of prolonged outdoor UV exposure.
Why it matters
Agricultural workers face a significant risk of skin cancer due to constant sun exposure while working. Addressing this risk is critical because nearly 90 percent of all skin cancers are caused by unprotected UV exposure.
A 60 percent increased risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer exists for workers with prolonged UV exposure, while 50 percent of outdoor workers have reported experiencing sunburn. Experts recommend using broad-spectrum sunscreen and clothing with an SPF or UPF of 50 or higher.
The players
The Skin Cancer Foundation
Headquartered in New York, NY, this organization focuses on public and professional education to reduce the incidence of skin cancer.
AgriSafe
Based in Covington, LA, this organization provides health and safety resources specifically tailored to agricultural workers and producers.
The details
The campaign highlights that agricultural workers are at heightened risk when working outdoors during peak UV hours from 10 AM to 4 PM. Officials recommend that laborers wear long-sleeved shirts with a UPF of 50 or higher and apply water-resistant sunscreen.
Timeline
National Farm Safety and Health Week occurred from September 21 to September 25, 2026.
September 25, 2026, marked a day focused on cancer prevention.
Peak UV Index hours are identified as 10 AM to 4 PM.
The Big Picture
This awareness initiative follows the pattern set by the National Farm Safety and Health Week to address specific occupational health hazards. The campaign integrates medical prevention into existing agricultural safety programs to bridge the gap between wellness and workplace safety.
Outdoor workers are encouraged to adopt stricter sun protection habits, including the use of high-SPF sunscreen and UPF-rated clothing during peak daylight hours. These changes are designed to mitigate long-term health risks associated with chronic UV radiation exposure.
The takeaway
Consistent use of protective clothing and high-SPF sunscreen is essential for those working outdoors, especially during peak UV intensity. Integrating these practices into daily routines can significantly lower the risk of developing skin cancer.
Further reading
Learn more about prevention strategies at /health/diseases/cancer/.
More information
Find additional skin cancer prevention information on the organization's official resource page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 94.3 Jack FM | Playing What We Want | Green Bay, WI.
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Do you make sun protection part of your daily routine when working outdoors?
