What Is Sun Poisoning?

Sun poisoning can occur when a person suffers from a very severe sunburn. It is not poisoning in the traditional sense, but its effects are similar. Rather, it refers to the damage that the skin suffer when ultraviolet (UV) radiation harms the skin after exposure to the sun. If you work outside during daylight hours, you could be at risk of suffering from sun poisoning. Sunburn can happen after only 15 minutes of exposure to the sun. Although it can happen quickly, the effects of sunburn are sometimes not noticeable until hours after the victim's exposure. Sun poisoning can have severe consequences, sometimes severe to the point of requiring the victim receive medical attention. If you have suffered sun poisoning on the job due to another party's negligence, you could be entitled to seek monetary compensation through a workplace accident claim.

You can reduce your chance of being burned and suffering sun poisoning by limiting your exposure to the sun's UV rays. If you work outside, take frequent rest breaks either indoors or under a substantial tree or awning. Wear a hat and sunglasses while you are outside to protect yourself and remember to drink plenty of water. Sun poisoning and dehydration often go hand-in-hand.

Cover any exposed skin in sunblock with an SPF rating of at least 30 and reapply it frequently. Be sure to choose a sunblock that is marked as “broad spectrum,” which means that it blocks both UVA and UVB rays.

When sunburn is severe to the point that it can be considered sun poisoning, a victim could exhibit these symptoms:

• Dizziness;
• Facial swelling;
• Fever;
• Headache;
• Chills;
• Dehydration;
• Skin redness and tightening;
• Pain; and
• Nausea.

If you exhibit any of these symptoms, get out of the sun immediately. Apply aloe gel to the affected area, drink cool water, and take anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen if you need them.

You might think that sunburn falls into the realm of personal responsibility for you and for the most part, you are right. You can choose to use sunblock while you are outside working.

However, if your employer or another party prevented you from wearing a hat or sunglasses while on the job, that party could potentially be deemed to be responsible for your damages. Further, any party that prevents you from taking the care you need to address your sunburn, such as allowing you to stop working when you exhibit sun poisoning symptoms like dizziness, fever, chills, or facial swelling could also be deemed to have played a role in your suffering from sun poisoning.

If you have Suffered sun poisoning or another heat or sun-related injury at work, you could be entitled to monetary compensation for your damages. To learn more, schedule your free legal consultation with a member of our team of San Jose workplace accident lawyers at Corsiglia, McMahon, & Allard, L.L.P. We proudly serve clients throughout the Bay Area, San Mateo County, Alameda County, San Benito County, Monterey County, and Santa Clara County.

• Sun Poisoning
• UVA & UVB