Even in countries such as the UK where sunshine isn’t always guaranteed, sun safety remains critically important, particularly for this working outdoors. The misconception that a lack of direct sun or having already picked up a tan offers natural protection from UV radiation can lead to dangerous complacency, with serious health consequences.
The primary concern with sun exposure is ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Both UVA and UVB rays contribute to skin damage. UVB rays are the main cause of sunburn and play a key role in the development of skin cancer, while UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin, contributing to premature aging and also increasing the risk of skin cancer.
UV rays can also cause significant damage to the eyes ranging from short term conditions such as photokeratitis (sunburn of the eye) which is often referred to as snow blindness when caused by reflections off snow and ice but can also occur from any intense UV exposure, through to longer term conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration and eyelid cancer
Even on cloudy days, a substantial amount of UV radiation penetrates cloud cover. Reflections off surfaces like water, sand, snow, and even concrete can also significantly increase UV exposure to the eyes. For those working outdoors in the UK, often for long periods, their eyes are constantly at risk, regardless of the perceived intensity of the sun.
For individuals working outdoors such as construction workers, landscapers, agricultural workers, port and airport workers and postal staff, sun exposure is an occupational hazard and without adequate protection they are at a significantly higher risk of developing skin cancers, including melanoma – the most serious form of skin cancer.
In these industries, there isn’t an option to just work inside when the sun comes out so what can we do to effectively protect our staff and meet our legal duty to provide a safe place of work?
As with all risk management we need to start with the hierarchy of control and make sure that these risks are captured in your risk assessment.
Although it may not be easy, are there any elements of the job that could be done inside or in the shade? If not can you think about changing work patterns to avoid the warmest part of the day? Consider more frequent job rotation if you can, to give workers a change in task or working environment - complacency, fatigue and distraction can creep in faster when people are hot and potentially getting dehydrated.
If you can, provide shaded areas for breaks and make sure that staff are drinking sufficient water, and finally, although the last line of defence, there are many effective personal protective options available. Ensure that any PPE issued to staff is suitable for the task and environment. Prioritise breathable fabrics and head / neck protection for workers. Encouraging workers to choose long trousers and sleeves will help to protect them too as well as the generous use of sun screen.
Although less obvious than skin care , don’t forget the eyes. If your business already issues safety eye protection, you’re halfway there and can make use of tinted glasses in the summer. If not, this is a great time to start. Don’t forget to make sure they meet the EN172 standard.
Finally, don’t forget to train and communicate. Make sure your team are aware of the signs of overexposure to the sun so that you can take early action in the event of anyone being overcome.
There are many simple actions you can take to keep your staff safe this summer.
