Sun Protection for employees working outdoors
29/07/2019
The Southern Trust is the first Health and Social Care Trust in Northern Ireland to launch the ‘Sun Safety Outdoor Workplace’ policy for outdoor workers.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Northern Ireland and the incidence is increasing. This new policy provides guidance on reducing the risk of skin damage for employees who are required to work while being exposed to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation for prolonged periods of time.
Helen O’Neill, Director of Finance, Procurement and Estates said: “We want to protect the health of our employees and any contracted staff to understand that skin cancer is a real concern for staff who work outside. This initiative aims to improve knowledge and awareness of sun safety when working outdoors and is being launched initially within the Estates sector. Training will be available for all staff through our Promoting Wellbeing Division.”
“Overexposure to UV radiation from the sun is the major environmental cause of all types of skin cancer. On average people who work outdoors receive 3 to 4 times more UV exposure each year than people who work indoors. This exposure puts outdoor workers at greater risk of skin cancer and it is important that this group of staff are mindful about sun protection, even on cooler, breezy days.
“The damage caused by the sun can accumulate over time and may lead to skin cancer, so it is important for workers to check their skin regularly for any unusual moles or spots. If you notice any changes to a mole or patch of normal skin, tell your doctor, who may refer you for further assessment or treatment.”
There are a number of steps that will protect against the sun’s harmful rays when working outdoors. Full details are listed in the policy (click here).
- Long sleeved shirts and long trousers. Where work clothing with a UPF (e.g. High Visibility tabards & polo shirts) is used, a minimum of UPF 15 is recommended. Hats with broad brims and neck flaps made of tightly woven material and hard hats with extension flaps. Sunglasses which meet the CE Mark and British Standard BS EN ISO 12312-1:2013 with wrap-around close fitting styles
- Use of sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15 and UVA 4 star for skin unprotected by clothing or shade. Sunscreen applied generously 30 min before exposure to the sun and reapplied every 2 hours or more often if it is wiped or sweated off. Sunscreen provided for employees’ use is available at the Estates Workshop in Daisy Hill Hospital, Craigavon Area Hospital, South Tyrone Hospital and St Luke’s Hospital.
- Shade – where feasible: Minimise exposure by taking breaks in the shade, particularly between 11am and 3pm when UV radiation is at its peak, even if overcast. Move activities to a shaded or indoor area. Reschedule activities to times of the day when UV radiation is less intense (before 11am or after 3pm).
For further information on sun safety when working outdoors see www.careinthesun.org If you are concerned about skin cancer you can also call the Cancer Focus NI free information and support helpline on 0800 783 3339 or email one of the charity’s nurses on helpline@cancerfocusni.org
Watch this short ‘Be UV Aware’ video for useful tips and information on Sun Safety and Awareness https://youtu.be/RQ8TFAiT5uE