With the harsh Australian sun, we have almost all got burnt at one point in our lives. But, how can we create a safer environment for our employees who need to work outside throughout the year.
- Dress the part. A quick test to tell if you’re wearing sun-protective garb: place your hand between a single layer of fabric and a light source. If you can see your hand, the clothing does not offer optimal protection. A wide-brim hat also helps protect the head, forehead, ears, eyes, nose and scalp, and UV-absorbent sunglasses can block 99-100% of UVA and UVB radiation.
- Apply sunscreen. Sunscreen 15 SPF and above should block 93 percent of UV rays. Tell employees to follow product directions to ensure continuous protection.
- Limit exposure and seek shade when appropriate. UV rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. An easy sun intensity test: if your shadow is shorter than you, the sun’s rays are at their strongest.
- Teach employees about the signs and symptoms of UV exposure, such as red, warm and tender skin, blistering, headache, nausea fatigue – but also warn them that symptoms may not start for about 4 hours after sun exposure.
- Encourage outdoor workers to model sun-safe behaviors and to discuss the importance of sun protection with coworkers and customers alike.
Find this article useful? Read more of our blogs here!
Please note that regular First Aid and CPR Training is the best way to make sure that you’re prepare in the case of an emergency. Book a course with us
