Protection from the Harsh Australian Sun

WORKSAFE have produced a guidance note (summarised below) that aims to assist employers and workers in the quarrying industry to understand the risk of over-exposure to UV (ultraviolet) radiation in sunlight and to develop and adopt effective sun protection measures to reduce the risk of skin cancer.

BACKGROUND

Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world with more than 380,000people treated for the disease every year. At least 1 in every 2 Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime.

Quarry workers have a higher risk of skin cancer than many other workers due to long periods exposed to UV radiation from direct sunlight and UV rays reflected from nearby surfaces.

GENERAL INFORMATION

What is UV radiation?

UV radiation is sunlight that can damage the skin. In Victoria, UV radiation is most intense during the middle of the day from September to April (11 am to 3 pm during daylight saving and 10 am to 2 pm at other times). On a clear summer’s day, it can take only 10 to 15 minutes for skin damage to occur.

What is skin cancer?

Over exposure to UV radiation can damage the body’s skin cells. This can result in various forms of skin cancer which can be fatal if not detected and treated early.

Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF)

When choosing material for providing shade, and when selecting clothing and hats for sun protection, refer to its Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) which should be on the label. UPF indicates the percentage of UV radiation absorbed and transmitted by the fabric.

SUN PROTECTION MEASURES

What forms of sun protection are the most effective?

Employers should conduct a risk assessment on outdoor work scheduled for the period from September to April, when UV radiation levels peak, to assist in developing appropriate sun protection measures. Employers need to ensure protection measures are implemented.

The most effective way of reducing UV exposure is to use a combination of protection methods. In order of effectiveness, following the hierarchy of controls, they are:

• Re-organising work to avoid the UV peak of the day – Where reasonably practicable, and the production schedule permits, organise rosters to avoid workers being outside in the middle of the day for long periods.
• Providing natural or artificial shade – Where work has to occur outside for extended periods, assess the location of this work, proximity to reflective surfaces, such as concrete, and the availability of natural shade from surrounding structures or trees. If there is no natural shade, have a physical barrier to UV radiation by erecting temporary shade structures, if reasonably practicable.
• Providing appropriate protective clothing i.e. clothing covering as much exposed skin as possible, clothing, hats and sunglasses – Ideally sun protection clothing for workers should consist of long sleeve shirts with a collar and long trousers. Safety helmets (hard hats) can be fitted with additional sun protection during outdoor work to protect face, ears and neck, such as broad brims (pictured, above) or Legionnaire covers with peak and flap at the back and sides (pictured, below).
• Tinted or clear safety glasses would provide adequate sun protection for the eyes, if the type of lens is specified for outdoor use and complies with Australian Standard AS/NZS 1337 – Eye protectors for industrial application.
• Applying sunscreen – Never rely on sunscreen alone to protect against UV exposure. Sunscreen is not a “blockout” and it is still possible for some UV radiation to get through to cause skin damage.

TRAINING

It is important that employers train employees to raise awareness of the risks associated with exposure to UV and the sun protection measures required. It is also important to ensure that employees adopt sun protection measures.

SunSmart has workplace educators available to attend worksites to assist employers and their employees with information on the issue and advice on sun protection methods (Tel. 9635 5148).

More information is available from the Publications/Guidance Notes section of the WorkSafe website www.worksafe.vic.gov.au

The photos in this article were provided by Buildsafe Australia.

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