Be SunSmart This Summer At Work

Employers have a duty of care to protect their workers.

With the recent changes to New Zealand’s Health and Safety legislation there is an increasing emphasis on minimising risk in the workplace.

There are many ways that UV exposure in the workplace can be minimised. Collaboration between employers and employees is the best way to achieve this. It’s also good practice to encourage workers to be SunSmart when they head outside to take a break, walk to a meeting, or get exercise.

The Cancer Society says :-

Employers should establish good practices so that they:

Have a SunSmart policy that they enforce
Reduce the amount of time workers spend outdoors
Provide and maintain sun safety equipment
Provide information and training around sun protection practices
Encourage staff to check their own skin and go to the GP if they have any concerns

Employees should ensure that they:

Slip into some shade and slip on sun protective clothing.
Whenever possible work and take breaks in the shade.
Wear long pants and a long-sleeved, collared shirt.
Slop sunscreen on all uncovered skin.
Wear a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF30.
- Apply at least 20 minutes before going outside.
- Reapply at least every two hours, more often if you are sweating or are in the water.
Slap on a hat. Wear a hat with a broad brim or a bucket style hat that protects your head, face (including eyes and ears) and neck.
- When you wear a hard hat or helmet, use a sun brim and neck flap.
- Wrap on some sunglasses. Wear close fitting, wrap-around styles.