UV Protection - Best Practice

Outdoor workers have a higher than average risk of developing skin cancer, however, 90% of skin cancer deaths could be prevented. The adoption of the simple 5 S approach when working outside contributes to this prevention significantly.

Follow the 5 S approach when working outside[1]. Over-exposure to the sun is a serious health threat and should be avoided. 

UV Campaign 5S.jpg

LEGAL OBLIGATION

In Australia and New Zealand, employers have a duty of care to protect their employees from hazards in the workplace to ensure health and safety. In this way, suitable controls must be applied to ensure workers are protected from UV radiation exposure risks. 

It is advised that workplaces adopt an easy-to-follow UV Sun Protection program. This program should include a workplace UV Sun Protection Policy and procedures to follow. For instance:

  • conducting regular assessments of the UV exposure risk to workers
  • ensuring workers have necessary information, instruction and training about UV radiation, its risks and how to safely be outdoors
  • ensuring all UV Sun Protection control measures are being used (e.g., providing personal protective equipment such as sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30+ or higher, and essential clothing items that comply with ultraviolet protection testing requirements[2]

 

UV INDEX

Adopted by the World Health Organisation, the UV Index indicates on a daily basis what the UV levels are and when sun protection measures are required. 

When the UV index reaches 3 or above, sun protection measures should be taken[3]. 

Find today's UV level in your area

Australia

The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) measures the UV index across all major cities across Australia and provides real-time UV index information daily. Check the ARPANSA website to see what the UV levels have been in your capital city today.

New Zealand

Visit the NIWA and find the UVI forecast for your specific site. 

or

Know when to protect your skin using the Sun Smart UVNZ app. Click here for more information. 

[1] https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/hazards-a-z/ultra-violet-radiation#:~:text=Employers%20or%20businesses%20have%20a,from%20UV%20radiation%20exposure%20risks.

[2] https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/sun-safety/uv-index