Navigating Extremes

Sun, cold, and insect exposure

laska’s diverse workforce, which spans many industries, operates in one of the most unforgiving environments on the planet. The state’s extreme weather swings—in some areas, 24-hour daylight in summer to prolonged darkness and sub-zero temperatures in winter—pose significant safety hazards related to sun exposure, cold stress, and insects. These risks can lead to immediate injuries such as sunburn, frostbite, and irritation or long-term issues such as skin cancer or chronic health conditions. According to the Alaska Occupational Safety and Health (AKOSH) program, which pulls from the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, employers must mitigate these hazards to ensure a safe workplace. Preparation and prevention are essential, especially for outdoor workers who may also be isolated.

Understanding these hazards requires recognizing Alaska’s unique climate: summers with intense and prolonged UV radiation, winters with wind chills nearing -100°F in some locations, and a brief but aggressive insect season. By implementing proper gear, training, and protocols, workers can minimize risks and maintain productivity.

Despite Alaska’s reputation for cold, summer sun exposure is a major threat, particularly from May to August when the midnight sun provides extended daylight. UV rays are amplified by reflections off snow lingering in higher elevations, water bodies, and light surfaces, increasing the risk of sunburn, heat exhaustion, and photokeratitis, commonly known as snow blindness, which causes painful inflammation of the cornea. Prolonged exposure to sun without protection can lead to dehydration, heat stroke, or even skin cancer over time. Heat stress is exacerbated in humid conditions or during physical labor, where body temperature can rise dangerously if not managed.

To prepare, employers should conduct heat risk assessments, provide the proper gear, and consider providing acclimatization periods for new or returning workers.

Key sun exposure injury prevention measures include:

• Sunscreen and protective gear: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher often, focusing on exposed areas such as the face, neck, and hands. Wear UV-blocking sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, and long-sleeved, lightweight clothing rated for UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) 50+.
• Work scheduling: When you can, shift strenuous tasks to cooler morning or evening hours, avoiding peak UV times (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Provide shaded rest areas and encourage frequent breaks with access to cool water. Workers should drink at least one cup every fifteen to twenty minutes.
• Training and monitoring: Educate teams about symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, or rapid heartbeat, and use the buddy system for early detection. In high-risk jobs such as road maintenance, consider integrating heat-index monitoring tools.

Winter in Alaska transforms workplaces into potential danger zones, with cold stress affecting anyone exposed to temperatures below 40°F combined with wind or wetness. Hazards include hypothermia (where core body temperature drops below 95°F), leading to confusion, slowed reflexes, and potentially death; frostbite, freezing extremities such as fingers and toes; and trench foot from prolonged damp conditions. Isolated and/or high wind areas can amplify all these issues, while even urban jobs can involve slippery surfaces and carbon monoxide exposure from heaters.

Preparation begins with site-specific plans, including emergency response for remote areas. OSHA recommends providing engineering controls such as radiant heaters or wind barriers, but personal protection is vital.

Effective cold exposure injury prevention includes:

• Layered clothing: Use moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers (wool, synthetics, down, and the like), and waterproof, windproof outer shells. Avoid cotton, which traps moisture, and try to leave no skin exposed. Use safe chemical warmers and/or heated articles of clothing as needed.
• Breaks and nutrition: Schedule frequent warm-up breaks in heated shelters. Provide warm, high-calorie foods and preferably non-caffeinated drinks to maintain energy and hydration because dehydration worsens in dry winter air.
• Symptom awareness: Train employees to recognize early signs such as shivering or numbness, and consider limiting substances that impair circulation such as alcohol and tobacco. For high-risk roles, consider having employees use wearable body temperature monitors.

Alaska’s short summer unleashes swarms of mosquitoes (known by some as the state bird), black flies, no-see-ums, and ticks, particularly near wetlands, forests, or tundra. Bites cause itching, swelling, and distractions that heighten accident risks, while rare but possible diseases such as West Nile or Lyme add concerns. Allergic reactions can escalate to anaphylaxis, demanding an immediate response. Prevention relies on integrated pest management and personal barriers.

Core insect exposure prevention strategies:

• Repellents and clothing: Apply Environmental Protection Agency-approved repellents such as DEET in concentrations of between 20 and 30 percent, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to skin and clothing. Treat gear with permethrin for lasting protection. Wear long sleeves, pants tucked into boots, and light-colored fabrics to spot insects easily.
• Site management: When possible, eliminate standing water at campsites to curb breeding. Schedule work during windy times or use fans or smoky fires (safely) to deter swarms. For field researchers, head nets and bug jackets are indispensable.
• Post-exposure checks: Perform daily body scans for ticks, removing them promptly and safely. Monitor for reactions and carry epinephrine for known allergies.

Alaska’s workforce thrives by respecting, understanding, and preparing for nature’s extremes. Sun, cold, and insects, among other hazards, demand proper preparation and strategy implementation for success. Employers should supply personal protective equipment and gear, conduct regular training, and foster a safety-oriented culture, while workers must take personal responsibility for gear and for symptom recognition and reporting. Resources from AKOSH and OSHA can help provide frameworks, but tailoring to specific industries maximizes effectiveness. Ultimately, these steps not only safeguard health but also boost morale and the efficiency of Alaska’s workforce.