Staying sun smart while working outdoors this summer

THE MOST COMMON CARCINOGEN OUTDOOR WORKERS ARE EXPOSED TO IN NEW ZEALAND IS UV RADIATION. RESEARCH HAS FOUND THAT OUTDOOR WORKERS, ARE EXPOSED TO DAILY UV RADIATION IN EXCESS OF THE CURRENT RECOMMENDED OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS. DESPITE THIS FINDING, OUR NEW ZEALAND OUTDOOR WORKERS ARE NOT ADEQUATELY PROTECTED.

Many outdoor workers may not think of UV radiation as a carcinogen when compared to the likes of tobacco smoke, silica and diesel fumes. However, it’s really important to remember that just because you can’t see, smell, or feel UV radiation doesn’t mean it isn’t dangerous. In many ways this makes UV more of a threat as it’s hard to know when your skin is being damaged until it’s too late. The damage to the skin and eyes accumulates over time it is not just sunburn that is damaging. Protective equipment provision and a sun-protective workplace culture can help to reduce the risk of skin cancer. Skin cancer is New Zealand’s most common cancer, and along with Australia, our rates are the highest in the world. The good news is that skin cancer is preventable! We know that over 90% of skin cancers are related to overexposure to the Sun’s UV radiation. The Health and Safety at Work Act (2015) classifies UV radiation as a workplace hazard, and workplaces have a duty of care and legal responsibility to minimise staff exposure. Protection is required when UVI levels are three and above. This is typically from 10am to 4pm during daylight saving months (September to April) but varies across Aotearoa. For many parts of the North Island sun protection will be required for longer. Surprisingly, UV radiation isn’t related to heat or high temperatures. Sunburn and skin damage can happen on cool, cloudy, or windy days. Download the FREE UVNZ app for android or iPhone to monitor the UVI levels in your workplace area. Providing protective equipment and encouraging its use are important practices for workers:

WHAT EMPLOYERS CAN DO: • Have a sun protection policy that they enforce. • Reduce the amount of time their workers spend outdoors by scheduling indoor work either side of peak UVR and ensuring lunch breaks are able to be taken in the shade as much as possible. • Provide and maintain sun protective clothing and equipment. Providing sunscreen is important but please keep it cool. If leaving it in vehicles its best to put it in a chilly bin with a cool pack. • Provide information and training around sun protection practices.

WHAT EMPLOYEES CAN DO: • Slip on a shirt with a sleeve, the longer the better and slip into the shade on your breaks. • Slop on plenty of broad-spectrum SPF30+ sunscreen and reapply it at least every two hours. • Slap on a hat with a wide brim or a cap with flaps. • Wrap on a pair of wrap-around sunglasses. It’s important that outdoor workers remember to regularly check their skin due to their higher risk of developing skin cancer. Look out for new or unusual freckles, moles, sunspots, or sores that will not heal, and spots that have changed colour, shape or size or look different from other spots. See a doctor as soon as possible if you have any of these skin changes. Early medical advice and treatment can save your life.

WORDS PROVIDED BY CANCER SOCIETY OF NEW ZEALAND