Skin Cancer and Outdoor Workers in Grand Rapids, Michigan

More than 2 in 3 Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime, and around 2,000 Americans die each year from skin cancer. In Grand Rapids and across West Michigan, outdoor workers face a higher risk because they spend long hours outside in all seasons.

Construction crews on I-196, landscaping teams along the Grand River, road maintenance workers, utility workers, and parks and recreation staff are all exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation during their workday—even on cloudy days and in cold Michigan winters.

Overexposure to UV Radiation: The Main Cause of Skin Cancer

Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the leading cause of skin cancer.

Outdoor workers in Grand Rapids are exposed to UV radiation by:

  • Direct sunlight (even in winter and on overcast days)
  • Reflection from surfaces such as:
    • Concrete and asphalt
    • Water from the Grand River and nearby lakes
    • Snow and ice in winter (snow can reflect up to 80% of UV radiation)
  • Scattering through the atmosphere, which means UV can still reach skin even in shade or through light cloud cover

Because Michigan experiences bright summer days and highly reflective snow in winter, UV exposure can be significant year-round.

All Skin Types Are at Risk

All skin types can be damaged by overexposure to UV radiation—regardless of race or complexion.

  • UV damage is permanent and irreversible
  • Damage builds up over time with repeated exposure
  • Even if you tan easily and rarely burn, your skin can still be harmed

In West Michigan, where many people work seasonally outdoors (construction, agriculture, landscaping, road work, parks, and recreation), this cumulative damage can significantly increase skin cancer risk over a career.

Shared Responsibility: Employers and Outdoor Workers

Outdoor workers and their employers in Grand Rapids share responsibility for reducing UV exposure and protecting skin health.

Under Michigan occupational health and safety expectations, employers should provide, as far as reasonably practicable, a safe and healthy working environment. Employees are expected to follow safety practices and use protective equipment provided.

A comprehensive sun protection program can:

  • Prevent sun-related injuries and skin damage
  • Reduce the risk of skin cancer
  • Improve productivity and morale
  • Reduce costs related to sick leave, workers’ compensation, and lost time

Local employers can work with occupational health providers at Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, or Mercy Health to develop safe, effective sun protection strategies for their workforce.

Sun Protection Programs for Grand Rapids Outdoor Workplaces

Employers in Grand Rapids and Kent County can reduce workers’ UV exposure by implementing a combination of controls:

1. Information, Instruction, and Training

  • Provide regular training on:
    • UV radiation and skin cancer risks
    • Seasonal UV risk in Michigan (summer sun and winter snow reflection)
    • Early signs of skin cancer
    • Correct use of sun protection (clothing, sunscreen, shade)
  • Include sun safety in:
    • New employee orientation
    • Toolbox talks and safety meetings
    • Written safety manuals and jobsite postings

2. Modify the Work Environment

  • Reduce reflective surfaces where possible:
    • Use darker, less reflective materials when feasible
    • Minimize work directly over bright, reflective concrete or snow without added protection
  • Provide shade:
    • Install shade structures at outdoor workstations
    • Use portable canopies, tents, or shade cloths on construction and landscaping sites
    • Ensure shaded areas are available for breaks and lunch

3. Reschedule Outdoor Work When Possible

  • Plan the most sun-exposed tasks for early morning or late afternoon, avoiding peak UV hours (roughly 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in summer)
  • Use weather and UV forecasts for Grand Rapids to plan daily work (UV can be high even when it’s cool or partly cloudy)
  • Rotate staff so no one worker is in direct sun for the entire shift

4. Provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Employers should provide and encourage consistent use of:

  • Sun-protective clothing
    • Long-sleeved shirts and long pants made from tightly woven, breathable fabric
    • Collared shirts to protect the neck
    • Clothing with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating when possible
  • Hats and head protection
    • Broad-brimmed hats that shade face, ears, and neck
    • For hard hat users, use brim attachments or neck flaps
  • Sunglasses
    • Wrap-around sunglasses that block 99–100% of UVA and UVB rays
  • Sunscreen
    • Broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher
    • Provided in pump bottles or single-use packets at worksites, vehicles, and break areas

5. Develop a Written Sun Protection Policy

Create a sun safety policy that:

  • Clearly outlines required sun protection measures
  • Covers PPE, sunscreen use, work scheduling, and shade provision
  • Applies to all outdoor workers (full-time, part-time, seasonal, and contractors)
  • Is endorsed by senior management and integrated into the company’s health and safety program

6. Monitor and Review

  • Conduct regular assessments of UV exposure risk for all outdoor roles
  • Review:
    • Incident reports of sunburn or heat-related illness
    • Worker feedback on sun protection measures
    • Compliance with PPE and sunscreen use
  • Update policies and controls as needed, especially ahead of peak summer months or after changes in work processes

Local guidance and support can be found through the Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health resources, as well as national cancer organizations.

Sunscreen Alone Is Not Enough

Relying only on sunscreen is not sufficient protection for outdoor workers.

UV radiation in Grand Rapids can be harmful:

  • In summer, even on hazy or partly cloudy days
  • In winter, when UV is reflected by snow and ice
  • During spring and fall, when people may underestimate sun exposure because temperatures feel mild

Best Practices for Outdoor Workers

When working outdoors in West Michigan:

  • Use multiple forms of protection:
    • Wear long sleeves, long pants, and a hat with a broad brim or hard hat attachments
    • Use wrap-around sunglasses with UV protection
    • Seek shade whenever possible
  • Schedule smart:
    • When feasible, schedule the most sun-intense tasks outside peak UV hours (10 a.m.–4 p.m.)
  • Use sunscreen correctly:
    • Apply broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher
    • Apply 15–20 minutes before going outside
    • Cover all exposed skin:
      • Face, ears, neck
      • Back of the hands and forearms
      • Back of the neck and scalp (if hair is thin or hairline is receding)
    • Reapply every 2 hours, or more often if sweating heavily

Supervisors should remind crews at the start of shifts, before lunch, and during long outdoor tasks to reapply sunscreen and use protective clothing.

Regular Skin Checks for Outdoor Workers

Because outdoor workers are at higher risk for skin cancer, regular self-exams and professional skin checks are essential.

Most skin cancers can be treated successfully if found early. Without treatment, some skin cancers—especially melanoma—can become life-threatening quickly.

How to Check Your Skin

Get into the habit of checking your skin once a month:

  • Examine your:
    • Face, ears, scalp (using a mirror or help from someone else)
    • Neck, chest, abdomen, and back
    • Arms, hands, and between fingers
    • Legs, feet, soles, and between toes
    • Under nails (fingers and toes)
    • Less visible areas such as buttocks and genital area

You’re looking for:

  • New spots, moles, or growths
  • Existing moles or spots that:
    • Change in size, shape, or color
    • Become irregular, uneven, or have multiple colors
    • Itch, hurt, crust, bleed, or do not heal
  • Any spot that looks different from others (“the ugly duckling”)

When to See a Doctor in Grand Rapids

If you notice anything unusual:

  • New or changing spots
  • A sore that doesn’t heal
  • A spot that bleeds, scabs, and returns

Make an appointment as soon as possible with:

  • Your primary care provider or family doctor
  • A dermatologist (many practice within Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and independent clinics in the Grand Rapids area)
  • An occupational health clinic used by your employer

If you don’t have a regular doctor, you can contact:

  • Kent County Health Department – for local health resources and referrals
  • Grand Rapids Public Health programs – for screening and education resources

Local Resources for Skin Cancer Prevention and Support

Outdoor workers and employers in Grand Rapids can access:

  • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) – dermatology and skin cancer clinics
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids – oncology and dermatology services
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health – specialty care and occupational health
  • Mercy Health – cancer care and prevention resources
  • Kent County Health Department – public health education, prevention programs, and local screening information

Ask your employer’s occupational health and safety officer or HR department about:

  • Available workplace sun protection policies
  • Access to dermatology screenings for employees
  • Educational materials on UV safety

Key Points for Grand Rapids Outdoor Workers

  • Overexposure to UV radiation is the main cause of skin cancer
  • All skin types can be damaged by UV, and damage is permanent and cumulative
  • Employers should:
    • Provide training, PPE, sunscreen, and shade
    • Reschedule work when possible to avoid peak UV times
    • Conduct periodic assessments of UV exposure risk
  • Sunscreen alone is not enough—use clothing, hats, sunglasses, shade, and scheduling
  • Perform regular skin self-checks and see a doctor promptly for any suspicious spots
  • Without treatment, some skin cancers can become deadly very quickly

By combining workplace policies, proper protective gear, and regular skin checks, outdoor workers in Grand Rapids can significantly reduce their risk of skin cancer while continuing to work safely in Michigan’s changing seasons.