Sun Safety
The Australian summer is in full swing, bringing with it the need to be extra vigilant about sun safety.
We want to emphasize the importance of understanding the potential dangers of excessive ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure and, in doing so, how to avoid them.
By taking proactive measures, we can work together to prevent, eliminate, and reduce these risks!
Below is some information that we think can help:
Sun Protection Measures
Forecast and environmental check
Use your phone to check the weather and the UV index every day.
Where reasonably possible work in the shade and away from reflective surfaces such as water, roofing iron, sand and concrete. Where this isn’t possible use other measures to reduce exposure to UV radiation.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Choose clothing that covers as much as the skin as possible such as long sleeve shirts with collars and work pants. Choose clothing with the highest ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) available. The label on the PPE will indicate the UPF.
If the garment does not have a UPF indicator on it consider acquiring a garment that does. UPF with a rating of 50 Plus offers excellent protection from UV radiation. UPF ratings: 15-24 Good. 25-39 Very good. 40-50 plus excellent.
It’s imperative to protect the face and head area from the sun. On sites where hard hats are mandatory consider sun protection accessories such as broadbrims and where hard hats are not required where a hat with a broadbrim, like a bucket hat.
Using sunglasses and a hat will protect the eyes from UV radiation when working outside. Choose glasses that comply with Australian standards AS/NZS 1067 and offer good protection from UV (category 2,3 or 4). For tasks where safety glasses are required either tinted or clear safety glasses offer adequate protection from so long as they comply with the Australian standard AS/NZS 1337.1
Sunscreen
Sunscreen should always be applied to areas that PPE cannot protect like the face and hands or arms and legs if wearing short sleeve top or shorts.
Use sunscreen with a SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or greater that is water resistant. Apply 20 minutes before exposure to UV.
Reapply every two hours to clean dry skin regardless of what is recommended on the bottle. Sunscreen should also be applied to the lips using a SPF lip balm or zinc cream. Use sunscreen before it’s expiry date and store below 30 degrees.
Working in Heat
Heat illness occurs when the body cannot sufficiently cool itself. Factors that contribute to this include: air temperature, humidity, clothing, physical activity.
Medical conditions of heat illness include:
Heat stroke
Fainting
Cramps
Rash
Fatigue
Signs and symptoms of heat illness include:
Feeling sick
Nauseousness
Dizziness
Dry mouth
Dark coloured urine
Trouble focusing weakness
Employees showing these signs or symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
Preventing Heat Illness
Some of these methods can be useful in reducing the risk posed by excessive heat:
Reschedule work for a cooler time
Check the temperature before commencing work
Stay hydrated: Drink at least 4 cups (200ml) of water every hour
Use appropriate PPE
Change location of work to cooler area, if possible
Reduce the time spent in heat
Take extra water breaks
Use mechanical aids to reduce physical exertion
To summarize
Check the weather forecast
Always have correct PPE
Apply sunscreen
Stay Hydrated
DON’T do anything your uncomfortable with or feel is unsafe.
As always, if you have any questions in relation to this months topic please give us a call!