|
|
|
|
|
|
| Sun safety in the workplace |
 |
|
|
Advice for employers
If you're an employer who's workforce spends a good deal of time outside, they may be at risk from the damaging effects of the sun.
What are the dangers?
One of the components of sunlight is Ultra-violet radiation, or UV. Exposure to UV from sunlight can cause skin damage including skin ageing, sunburn and skin cancer. In the UK, 40,000 new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year making it the most common form of cancer in the UK.
How can you protect your workforce?
- Include sun safety information in your health and safety briefings to your staff.
- In the summer, advise your outdoor workforce to cover up by wearing UV protective clothing, or long sleeves and a UV protective or wide brimmed hat.
- On any part of the body that cannot be covered up by UV clothing, ensure your staff wear an appropriate sun screen of at least factor 15. SolarSafe sunscreen spray, sunscreen wipes and face stick all offer great protection at SPF30+ (very high protection). For additional safety, advise your staff to wear a UV Indicating Wristband, advising then when to re-apply their sun screen and when they should be seeking shade.
- Make sure fresh drinking water is available at all times, and that your workers drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
- If possible, schedule work so that your staff avoid being outside during the hottest parts of the day and encourage them to take their breaks in the shade.
What are the advantages to you?
Protecting your workers from the damaging effects of the sun makes for a healthier, better informed workforce. And with less sick days taken, this means better productivity for your company.
Further information
The Health and Safety Executive have put together a leaflet outlining how you can look after your outdoor workforce. You can download this in PDF format here.
Visit the Sun Protection section of the Health and Safety Executive web site.
|
|
|
| Buy SolarSafe products online |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
