Protecting outdoor workers from sun exposure

Bruche Associates are currently working with a number of our clients to help protect outdoor workers from sun exposure.

What is the problem?

Too much sunlight is harmful to your skin. A tan is a sign that the skin has been damaged. The damage is caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays in sunlight.

Who is at risk?

If work keeps employees outdoors for a long time their skin could be exposed to more sun than is healthy for them.

What are the harmful effects?

In the short term, even mild reddening of the skin from sun exposure is a sign of damage. Sunburn can blister the skin and make it peel.

Longer term problems can arise. Too much sun speeds up ageing of the skin, making it leathery, mottled and wrinkled. The most serious effect is an increased chance of developing skin cancer.

What can employees do to protect themselves?

• Keep their top on.
• Wear a hat with a brim or a flap that covers the ears and the back of the neck.
• Stay in the shade whenever possible, during your breaks and especially at lunch time.
• Use a high factor sunscreen of at least SPF15 on any exposed skin.
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
• Check their skin regularly for any unusual moles or spots. See a doctor promptly if they find anything that is changing in shape, size or colour, itching or bleeding.

What can employers do to protect employees?

• Provide workwear that is suitable for wearing in sunny and hot weather.
• Provide and ensure employees wear a hat with a brim or a flap that covers the ears and the back of the neck as you would other personal protective equipment.
• If possible provide shade for employees, especially during breaks and at lunch time.
• Provide a high factor sunscreen of at least SPF15, in the same approach as you might provide other pre-work creams.
• Provide plenty of drinking water to help avoid dehydration.

Where can you get further information? 

http://www.hse.gov.uk/skin/sunprotect.htm

About Bruche Associates Limited

Bruche Associates are an established Health & Safety and Continual Improvement Consultancy, which evolved out of the chemical and oil and gas industries. Bruche Associates Limited is a family run business overseen by Lee and Joanne Marsh who have over 35 years combined experience working in Healthcare Medical Services, Health & Safety Management and Training and Development. Lee qualified as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in 1996 before moving into Health and Safety Management with ICI Paints. We work across a range of sectors from chemical manufacturing, engineering, trade & retail, and small & medium size businesses