Outdoor workers have a higher likelihood of developing skin cancer compared to indoor workers due to their increased exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Despite the sun offering us many benefits, when exposed for too long, UV rays are strong enough to damage the skin, produce burns, skin ageing and increase the risk of getting skin cancer.

As the majority of skin cancers caused by UV radiation are preventable, it is crucial for workplaces to implement sun protection measures in order to safeguard their employees. Currently, an estimated 90% of all outdoor workers are not adequately protected from the sun while working^[1], despite being exposed to over three times more UV radiation than indoor workers ^[2].

Under the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act 2011, it is mandatory for workplaces to ensure a safe working environment for their employees, which includes protection against harm caused by UV radiation. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in legal consequences^[3].

Implementing sun safety for your workplace is not difficult. There are simple measures that can be taken to protect your employees health, including:

• Adopting an easy-to-follow UV Sun Protection program 
• Providing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as SPF30+, water resistant sunscreen lotion
• Acknowledging environmental factors that may increase UV radiation risk, including; time spend in sun, season when work is taken place outdoors, altitude of work site and closeness to the equator. 

Below, you will find our suite of best practice training and awareness tools that empower employers and employees to help protect themselves from harmful UV rays, in just a few simple steps.