Home   >   Issue 19 - Feb 2005   >   WORKING OUTSIDE THIS SUMMER?

WORKING OUTSIDE THIS SUMMER?

By on February 17, 2005

Supplied by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland

Slip!
I know clothes provide the best protection but which ones should I wear?

  • Long sleeved shirts and trousers
  • Tight weave of material
  • Loose fitting for coolness with a collar to protect the neck
  • Look for the ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) label on the garment.

Slop!
There are so many sunscreens I really don’t know which ones provide the best coverage.

Sunscreens protect any skin not covered by clothes (face, ears, back of neck, hands, legs, etc).

  • Use at least 15+ broadspectrum sunscreen
  • Gel based is better thancream based, particularly when handling tools
  • Apply it 15 – 20 minutes before going outside
  • Re-apply it every two hours
  • Apply zinc cream to lips andnose for extra protection.

Slap!
Wearing a hat outside is essential but which one should I be wearing?

Protect the face, neck, ears and eyes with:

  • A hat with a broad brim 10 – 12cm, or with a flap at the back
  • Or a hard hat with a flap or brim added
  • Sunglasses—look for the code AS1067

Who is at risk of skin cancer?

Virtually all people in Australia are at risk of skin cancer. However, fair-skinned people, particularly those who freckle or who never tan or tan poorly, are more at risk.

At any time when a person’s shadow is smaller than they are, there is ultra violet radiation (UVR) exposure to the skin. In summer this can be from 10am.

Sun has a damaging effect on the skin and over time changes can be noticed. Some of these changes can be early skin cancers and early melanoma.

It is important that you regularly examine your skin. This will ensure that the early changes on the skin are noticed by you and shown to your doctor. Check all you skin and especially the parts of the body most affected by the sun i.e. your face, neck, ears, shoulders, arms and hands. Skin cancer can be any lump, bump, sore or spot that doesn’t go away within four weeks.

If you find a new spot which grows or changes, or a sore which doesn’t heal in four weeks, see your doctor immediately.

Which workers are especially at risk?

  • Outdoor council workers
  • Road workers
  • Gardeners and ground maintenance staff
  • Outdoor car park attendants
  • Building and construction workers
  • Roofers
  • Workers in the fishing industry
  • Rural workers
  • Police officers
  • Power line workers
  • Life guards
  • Pool attendants

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