This overview highlights the risk of skin diseases arising in workers exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) at their workplace. There is a plethora of skin manifestations in outdoor workers such as seamen, fishermen, farmers after acute intense or long-term exposure to solar UVR, but some cutaneous diseases may also develop in indoor workers exposed to artificial sources. In recent years, investigations of the biological effects and damage caused by UVB and UVA on the skin have improved our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of photoaging, skin cancer and other skin diseases caused by UVR exposure. The necessity of primary prevention in workers exposed to UVR is emphasized.