Abstract
Highlights Public health relevance—How does this work relate to a public health issue? • This study addresses a well-established occupational hazard globally; however, there remains a lack of context-specific exposure data for military populations in high-radiation environments such as South Africa. The focus on military personnel undertaking physically demanding training in high-solar-radiation regions of South Africa highlights a vulnerable occupational group exposed to prolonged outdoor environmental stressors. • By characterising field-measured solar UVA irradiance patterns and examining associated self-reported health symptoms, the study contributes evidence needed to better understand occupational solar exposure dynamics in high-intensity training environments. Public health significance—Why is this work of significance to public health? • The study draws attention to an occupational exposure affecting a sizeable and operationally critical workforce engaged in sustained outdoor activities. • The findings provide important insights for strengthening occupational health surveillance and guiding preventive strategies aimed at reducing solar ultraviolet exposure and mitigating short-term dermatological and ocular symptoms among outdoor personnel. Public health implications—What are the key implications or messages for practitioners, policy makers, and/or researchers in public health? • The findings of this study highlight the need for public health practitioners, policy-makers, and military leadership to institutionalise comprehensive sun safety programs that mandate the routine use of high-SPF sunscreen, UV-protective clothing, and other evidence-based protective measures for personnel operating in high-UV environments. • Additionally, the findings recommend legislating solar UV exposure as an occupational health risk in outdoor professions and prioritising future research evaluating the effectiveness of sun protection interventions in high-exposure environments. Abstract This study aimed to assess the risks associated with ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure among military outdoor workers at Lohatla Military Base, South Africa, and to inform targeted risk reduction strategies. A quantitative, cross-sectional design was employed, Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2026, 23, 715 https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23060715 Int.