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Sunburn Prevention for Farmers

A burn on the neck or the backs of the hands after a long day in the field is easy to dismiss. It is skin injury, and prevention is simpler than recovery.

Why do farmers get sunburned so often?

Farm work keeps people outdoors for long stretches, often at the same hours when the sun is strongest. Tasks like baling, planting, fencing and harvest give little chance to stop. Cool or cloudy days feel safe, but they still carry UV, and reflection from soil, water and metal adds more.

Certain spots are missed again and again: ears, the back of the neck, the tops of the hands, the scalp under thinning hair and the lower lip. Make a habit of checking those places.

Wet skin from sweat and the reflective surfaces of metal roofs, bin walls and vehicle hoods can intensify exposure. Think about where light bounces during your own routine tasks.

• Ears, neck and hands are often missed
• The scalp and lip need protection too
• Cool days still carry UV

How does clothing help?

Clothing is the most reliable layer because it does not wear off. Long sleeves and long pants in breathable fabric, a wide-brim hat, and a neck cover can keep skin out of the sun. Some clothing carries an ultraviolet protection label; ask a supplier what the label means and follow the maker's care instructions.

Pick lightweight, light-colored items for hot days, and see the heat safety articles on this site, since covering up must not lead to overheating. Take cooling breaks and drink water.

Wash work clothing according to the label and replace items that have thinned or faded, since worn fabric lets more light through. Keep a spare hat in each vehicle.

• Wide-brim hat
• Neck cover or collar
• Breathable long sleeves
• Gloves for the hands where practical

What should you know about sunscreen?

Sunscreen is a helpful layer, not a substitute for shade and clothing. Read the label for directions, how often to reapply and what the labeling terms mean. Check the CDC and FDA websites, or ask a pharmacist, for current guidance on what to look for.

Apply before going out, cover all exposed skin, and reapply as directed, especially after sweating. Keep a bottle in the truck, shop and barn so using it is easy. Do not use expired products.

Sunscreen on the lips and the use of lip balm that includes protection are often forgotten. Ask your pharmacist about lip products.

How can you schedule work and shade?

When tasks can move, shift the hardest outdoor work away from the sunniest part of the day. Set up shade at field edges, loading areas and break points. A cab, a canopy or a tarp can help, as long as it is secure and does not create other hazards.

Rotate jobs so that no one stays in full sun all day, and encourage workers to speak up when they need a break.

Check forecasts for the UV Index through the National Weather Service or the CDC and plan the busiest days with extra protection and extra water.

What should you do if you get burned?

Move out of the sun and cool the skin as health guidance recommends. See the CDC and your health care provider for current care steps, since advice can differ for severe burns. Seek medical care for burns that blister widely, cause fever or chills, or come with confusion or severe pain. Call 911 for an emergency.

Avoid more sun while skin heals, and ask a provider for guidance on blisters and care. Children and older adults should be seen by a provider sooner.

Children with burns, and anyone who feels ill after sun exposure, should be seen by a provider, since heat illness can occur along with sunburn.

How do you make prevention a habit for the whole farm?

Talk about sun safety at the start of each season and keep supplies visible. Lead by example, since young workers copy what experienced workers do. Add hats and sleeves to the farm's expectations, and consider providing them for staff.

If you employ young workers, confirm labor and safety rules with the U.S. Department of Labor and your state labor department. Review what you have learned at the end of each season and adjust.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Farm Safety Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.