Sun exposure and protective equipment for outdoor workers

June 19, 2000

Ms. Barbara Markland

Administrative Secretary

Leesburg Department of Parks and Recreation

[Recipient address omitted]

Dear Ms. Markland:

Thank you for your April 6, 2000 letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA's) Office of Public Affairs. You requested information regarding OSHA requirements as they relate to sun exposure to employees. Specifically, the type of sun screen to be used, protective sunglasses, hats, clothing, etc.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration does not specifically address worker exposure to solar radiation. 29 CFR 1910.132(a) pertaining to personal protective equipment, indirectly would require employers to provide appropriate personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to serious hazards.

Please note that Section 18 of the OSH Act encourages States to assume responsibility for their own occupational safety and health programs under a plan approved and closely monitored by Federal OSHA. The Virginia Department of Labor is operating such a plan and is responsible for the enforcement of its own occupational safety and health standards and the investigation of workplace complaints throughout the State. All of Virginia's job safety and health standards, including interpretations, are identical to or at least as effective as the comparable federal OSHA standards.

Thank you for your interest in occupational safety and health. We hope you find this information helpful. Please be aware that OSHA's enforcement guidance is subject to periodic review and clarification, amplification, or correction. Such guidance could also be affected by subsequent rulemaking. In the future, should you wish to verify that the guidance provided herein remains current, you may wish to consult OSHA's website at http://www.osha.gov. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the [Office of General Industry Enforcement] at (202) 693-1850.

Sincerely,

Richard E. Fairfax, Director

[Directorate of Enforcement Programs]

[Corrected 6/2/2005]