Sun Safety in the Workplace

Outdoor workers and sun safety

up to 90% of all skin cancers are caused by either prolonged or intense exposure to the sun. Outdoor workers naturally spend more time exposed to UV radiation and are therefore at greater risk of sun damage and the subsequent development of skin cancers. Unfortunately, the subject of sun safety is often neglected in the workplace as a serious health and safety issue, so outdoor workers should be extra careful in ensuring they protect themselves.

SUN SAFETY TIPS FOR OUTDOOR WORKERS

Slip on sun protective clothing

• Clothing can be one of the most effective barriers between our skin and the sun
  Clothing should cover as much skin as possible
• Always keep shoulders covered that can easily burn
• A closer weave will provide more protection
• A high UPF rated fabric provides best protection

Slop on SPF 30+ sunscreen

• Always use a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 30 or above, preferably water resistant
• Make sure it's broad spectrum and carries a UVA symbol (if it has a star rating, a minimum 4 star)
• Take to work and store in an accessible, cool place and remember to check the expiry date
• Apply a generous amount to clean, dry, exposed skin
• Apply 20 minutes before going outdoors and preferably once again when outdoors
• Regardless of the instructions all sunscreens should be reapplied at least every 2 hours and more if perspiring heavily / towelling
• Remember to protect your lips with an SPF 30+ lip balm

Slap on a sun hat

• Always wear a hat with a wide brim that shades the face, neck and ears
• A close weave or UPF rated fabric will provide better protection
• Legionnaire (with a flap that covers the neck and joins the front peak) or bucket style hats (with minimum 7.5cm brim) are the most effective - Hard hats can be fitted with a sun peak and flap if required

Slide on quality sunglasses

• Solar UV radiation can be damaging to the eyes so it is important to wear quality sunglasses
• Overall protection depends on the quality of the lens and the overall design
  Look for the European CE mark which indicates a safe level of protection
• Those labelled with a high EPF (which rages from 1-10) will provide best protection
• Ensure they are close fitting and wrap around to stop solar UVR entering the sides and top
  Remember price and darkness of the lens have no reflection on the quality of protection

Shade from the sun whenever possible

• Shade can provide a good barrier between our skin and the sun
• Seek shade whenever possible, particularly at the hottest times of the day between 11am and 3pm when UV penetration is strongest and at break times
• Outside jobs can sometimes be done inside or moved to a shady location.
• A temporary shelter can be erected or trees and buildings used for protection.
• Try to reorganise the job so tasks requiring outdoor work get done in the morning before 11 am and after 3 pm, to avoid the hours of greatest sun intensity.
• Never rely on shade alone, always combine with personal protection measures

Remember that ultraviolet radiation from the sun bounces off water, sand, concrete, light-coloured surfaces and snow and can considerably increase the strength of the sun's
damaging rays. People who work near these areas will need to take extra care.

Some outdoor workers are also exposed to substances that increase the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. These include industrial chemicals such as asphalt and diphenyls, and some medications. People who work near or with these substances need to take extra care. A water resistant sunscreen can help give protection when there is likely to be skin contact with these substances.

Is your workplace sun safe?

All employers have a duty of care to assess health risks at work. We know that over 80% of cases, skin cancer is caused by over exposure to UV, it is thus largely preventable! Education on the prevention and early detection of the disease is therefore paramount and really needs to be on everyone's agenda. This is why Skcin have developed 'Sun Safe Workplaces' - an accreditation scheme specifically designed to guide employers through the process of implementing a suitable and successful Sun Safe Policy into their organisation. The Sun Safe Workplaces website and associated content produced specifically for the scheme provide both employers and employees with the most comprehensive range of resources ever made available to UK organisations with the key objective of preventing skin cancer through education.

If you are an outdoor worker and would like to see the Sun Safe Workplaces accreditation scheme implemented by your employers, please make them aware of the scheme and direct them to:
www.sunsafeworkplaces.co.uk where they can find out everything they need to know.

CLICK HERE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND TO VISIT SUN SAFE WORKPLACES