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Safety Awareness
Outdoor workers urged to use sun protection
Wednesday, 01 February, 2006
Employees in the building and construction industry should adopt safe working practices when working outdoors in the sun, urged NSW Assistant Commerce Minister Diane Beamer.
“Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world? said Ms Beamer. “NSW alone has about 3,000 people diagnosed each year.?
Outdoor workers are exposed to higher levels of Ultra Violet (UV) radiation and the longer someone spends outdoors, the greater the risk of sun damage.
Building and construction industry workers not only have UV radiation exposure directly from the sun, but are also at risk from sunlight reflection from surrounding surfaces such as metal roofs, concrete, glass, sand and large bodies of water.
Ms Beamer said employers have an obligation to play a key role in protecting their workers against sun damage by implementing safe work practices, including:
?working under cover if possible and sharing outdoor tasks to minimise exposure
?scheduling work earlier in the day when there is less radiation
?providing sun protection equipment (clothes, hats, sunglasses, etc)
?providing natural and artificial shade
?providing training to all employees on sun protection
?providing broad-spectrum (SPF 15 to 30) sunscreen and encouraging its regular application
“We want employers and workers to be aware of their Occupational Health and Safety obligations and ensure they take the necessary steps to provide adequate protection against sun damage? Ms Beamer said.
Feature Article - Safety Awareness
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