NZCB InHouse magazine December 2021/January 2022

Page 52

HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELLNESS —

Hidden hazard for outdoor workers When it comes to safety on the job site, there are many hazards to be aware of, but harmful UV rays, while not immediately obvious, are one of the biggest risks for outdoor workers. People who work outside receive up to 10 times more ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure than indoor workers, putting them at high risk of developing skin cancer. Cancer Society Medical Director Dr Kate Gregory says: “Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand. Unfortunately, many outdoor workers in New Zealand are not provided adequate shade or are not wearing adequate sun protection equipment even though these actions can make a real difference in reducing the risk of skin cancers.” Waikanae-based builder and joiner Phil Morgan, 41 (Te Whānau-ā-Apanui), says: “I think about skin cancer regularly.” After years in the building industry, Phil established his company Morgancraft Construction Limited in 2018. For Phil, as a single parent of four young children, looking after his health means looking after his whānau. “Protecting my skin means protecting my livelihood and my family”. Establishing his own company led to looking into his entitlements as a business owner and understanding what business purchases are tax-deductible. “As I’m self-employed, it’s good to know that sun protection items are tax-deductible for outdoor workers.”

Employer responsibilities Employers have a duty of care to not put workers at risk from UV radiation under the Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) 2015. If UV radiation is identified as a potential hazard, employers must take steps to eliminate and minimise the risk, as far as is reasonably practicable. Here are some ways to reduce your workers’ exposure to UV radiation, as well as heat exhaustion. Limit time working outside If possible, move tasks inside or adjust work times to when UV radiation levels are lower, such as early morning or late afternoon. You can check UV levels through this app – https://niwa.co.nz/our-services/online-services/uv-ozone/ uvi-smartphone-apps Provide shade Allow workers to do tasks under trees or other shaded areas, or put up temporary shade structures like an outdoor gazebo. Remind staff to take breaks in shade whenever possible. This is one of the most effective ways to reduce overall UVR exposure.

Phil has had skin checks in the past but hasn’t attended one for a while. He’s now conscious of the need to check his skin monthly and go to his GP if there are new spots or changes in the shape, colour or size of any existing spots or moles. “I really need to book in for a skin check.” Dr Kate Gregory says: “Most skin cancers can be treated successfully if caught early. It is so important for everyone, particularly those spending large amounts of time outdoors to regularly check their skin. And remember that you cannot see or feel UV radiation – it can be harmful even on a cool or cloudy day. Because UV damage accumulates over time, we recommend that outdoor workers use sun protection yearround. Be particularly careful from September to April between the hours of 10:00am to 4:00pm when UV levels are high.” A sample sun protection policy for your workplace is available at https://www.cancer.org.nz/assets/ Downloads/SunSmart/SunSmart-Sample-PolicyWorkplaces.docx

Provide SunSmart personal protective equipment Depending on the requirements of your industry, sunprotective clothing could include: • a long-sleeved, collared shirt, ideally in a tight-weaved, dark fabric • a wide-brimmed hat or helmet with a peak and neck guard (legionnaire’s flap) • close-fitting, wrap-around sunglasses that meet safety and sun protection standards (check the label). Provide sunscreen Ensure easy access to a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF30+. Ensure sunscreen is within its expiry date and not stored anywhere too hot, like a car glovebox. Provide a cooler bag with an icepack for transport in cars. Remind employees to be SunSmart Regularly talk to your employees about being safe when working outdoors, including the application and re-application of sunscreen.

For more information, visit www.cancer.org.nz

The Cancer Society of New Zealand is the country's leading organisation dedicated to reducing the incidence of cancer and ensuring the best cancer care for New Zealanders. We are committed to working with communities and decision makers by providing leadership and advocacy in cancer control, with core services in information and support, research and health promotion.

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Encourage skin checks for early detection of skin cancers Workers find it hard to take time off, so be a proactive boss and talk to staff about how to make it work for you and your employees to get their skin checked by a doctor. Encourage your employees to undertake regular self-checks by talking about it and providing information.


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IN THE MEDIA

6min
page 70

Message from the AST Trust

2min
page 67

Eliminate moisture problems with INTELLO® from pro clima

2min
pages 64-65

Ceiling diaphragm common questions

3min
pages 62-63

Auckland makes the most of lockdown

3min
page 60

The NZCB Group Health Plan through nib

2min
pages 56-57

Tasks to tick off for new contractors

2min
page 58

Responsible hosting for staff functions

3min
pages 54-55

Resetting the baseline – recovering from burnout

1min
page 53

Hidden hazard for outdoor workers

3min
page 52

Change your thoughts and you change your world

3min
pages 50-51

Red QS’s top five tips on pricing a renovation

3min
page 43

Workforce continues to grow despite COVID-19

3min
page 42

How standard-form building contracts deal with COVID-19

6min
pages 46-47

Spotlight on research

5min
pages 48-49

The effects of moisture in timber

3min
pages 40-41

Celebrating women in construction

11min
pages 36-39

New Code of Ethics for Licensed Building Practitioners

2min
pages 34-35

Completion Certificates and Waiver of Subrogation

4min
pages 12-13

Tax on Christmas parties and presents

1min
pages 32-33

Selling for non-salespeople

3min
pages 28-29

Motivation: get your team (and customers) on board

3min
page 30

Building a greener future for all

3min
page 31

Vaccination issues in employment

2min
page 27

REVERE Volume 6

4min
page 26

Staff changes at the National Support Office

2min
pages 24-25

COVID-19 communications

1min
page 21

Board Bites

2min
page 6

Message from the NZCB Board

3min
pages 4-5

Putting our partners in the spotlight

2min
page 20

NZCB holiday closure

1min
page 7

Message from the Chief Executive

3min
pages 8-9

Why you should review your insurance programme

4min
pages 18-19

NZCB electronic membership ID cards

1min
page 11
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