Information about
Sun protection for outdoor workers
August 2016
The purpose of this guidance is to assist employers,
employees and independent contractors to understand the
risk of occupational exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation in
sunlight. It will assist employers in ensuring that the risk of
UV radiation exposure is eliminated or reduced so far as is
reasonably practicable.
Background
Australia and New Zealand have the highest incidence of skin
cancer in the world. In Victoria, more than 40,000 new cases
of skin cancer are diagnosed annually.
Occupational exposure to UV radiation can occur via direct
sunlight, reflections from surfaces, and the scattering of UV
through the atmosphere. It is estimated that in Australia
around 200 melanoma and 34,000 non-melanoma skin
cancers per year are caused by occupational exposure to UV
radiation.
The risk of exposure is greater for those working outdoors for
extended periods of time (for example farmers, plumbers,
heavy vehicle drivers, miners, and agriculture industry workers)
and those who work near reflective surfaces (for example
water, roofing iron, sand, and concrete). Outdoor workers
generally receive five to ten times more exposure to UV
radiation per year than indoor workers.
The Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OHS Act)
requires that employers must, so far as is reasonably
practicable, provide and maintain for employees (including
independent contractors and employees of independent
contractors) a working environment that is safe and without
risks to health.
The OHS Act also requires that employees, while at work,
must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and
co-operate with their employer with respect to any action by
the employer to comply with requirements imposed by the
OHS Act or Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007.
General information
What is UV radiation?
UV radiation is the invisible wavelengths of sunlight that can
damage the skin. Unlike infrared light which is felt as heat, UV
radiation cannot be felt. The level of UV radiation varies
depending on the time of the year, height of the sun, cloud
cover, and proximity of surfaces which can reflect and scatter
UV radiation.
The level of UV radiation is expressed as the UV index. In
Victoria, sun protection is recommended when the forecast
UV index is ≥3, which is generally from September to April.
Sun protection is recommended all year round for outdoor
workers to reduce the risk of cumulative UV exposure.
While UV radiation enables the body to produce Vitamin D,
only a small dose is needed (a few minutes in summer and
30 minutes in winter) as too much UV exposure can destroy
Vitamin D produced by the body.
What is skin cancer?
Cumulative exposure to UV radiation can damage the body’s
skin cells. This can result in various forms of skin cancer which
can be fatal if not detected and treated early.
The most common types of skin cancer are:
•• Basal cell carcinoma – appears as a red lump or scaly
area. Usually found on the head, neck and upper body.
•• Squamous cell carcinoma – appears as a thick, scaly
red spot that may bleed, crust or ulcerate. Occurs on
most exposed areas of the body. Can spread to other
parts of the body.
Other less common but more dangerous forms of skin cancer are:
•• Nodular melanoma – raised, firm and dome shaped
pimple-sized melanoma that is red, pink, brown or black.
Develops quickly, over weeks and spreads to other parts
of the body.
•• Flat melanoma – appears anywhere on the body as
a flat spot with a mix of colours and an uneven, smudgy
outline. Changes colour, size or shape. Can spread to
other parts of the body.
WSV1741/01/08.16
Information about
Sun protection for outdoor workers
Common types of skin cancer:
Re-organising work
So far as is reasonably practicable, employers should
re-organise outdoor work to avoid it being undertaken for long
periods of time and/or during the UV peak of the day (11 am
to 3 pm during daylight saving and 10 am to 2 pm at other
times). This may include:
•• minimising the amount of outdoor work
•• moving jobs undercover
Basal cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma
Less common but more dangerous forms of skin
cancer:
•• doing outdoor tasks in the early morning or late in
the day
•• sharing outdoor and indoor work, rotating employees
to minimise individual exposure.
Using shade
So far as is reasonably practicable, employers should ensure
that employees undertake outdoor work in the shade.
Nodular melanoma
Flat melanoma
Photos: SunSmart (Cancer Council Victoria)
Sun protection measures
What forms of sun protection are most effective?
Sun protection is recommended all year round for outdoor
workers to reduce the risk of cumulative UV exposure.
Employers must eliminate the risk of UV exposure so far as is
reasonably practicable. If it is not reasonably practicable to
eliminate the risk, employers must reduce the risk so far as is
reasonably practicable.
Employers should conduct a risk assessment on outdoor work
to assist in developing appropriate sun protection measures.
The most effective way to eliminate or reduce the risk of UV
exposure is to implement a combination of protection
measures. Employers should document such measures in a
sun protection policy, or part of a policy, and ensure that the
effectiveness of protection measures is monitored and
reviewed. In order of effectiveness, following the hierarchy of
controls, sun protection measures include:
•• re-organising work
•• using shade
•• providing appropriate protective clothing and equipment
Where work has to occur outside, assess the location of this
work, proximity to reflective surfaces (for example, water,
roofing iron, sand, and concrete) and the availability of natural
shade from surrounding structures or trees.
If there is no natural shade, have a physical barrier to UV
exposure by erecting temporary artificial shade structures, if
reasonably practicable. If it is not reasonably practicable to
arrange work in the shade, shade should be provided for
breaks, especially lunch breaks.
Examples of shade structures are:
•• awnings – generally made from closely woven fabric and
that have a 98+% ultraviolet effectiveness
•• market-type shade ‘umbrellas’ – provide strong
protection due to dense weave and may be plastic
coated (plastic is a strong absorber of UV radiation),
most material would have a 98+% ultraviolet
effectiveness
•• structures using roofing materials – clear plastic or tinted
plastic roofing materials that have a 98+% ultraviolet
effectiveness
•• structures using shade cloth – ultraviolet effectiveness
ratings may be low to moderate.
Note: ultraviolet effectiveness is used when referring to
shade and ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) is used when
referring to protective clothing and hats. An ultraviolet
effectiveness of 98+% is equivalent to a UPF of 50+.
•• applying sunscreen.
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Information about
Sun protection for outdoor workers
Note: As UV radiation can be reflected or scattered from
surrounding surfaces, employees and independent contractors
are potentially exposed to a great deal of UV radiation even
when working in the shade or under overhead protection. As
such, sun protection (protective clothing and sunscreen)
should continue to be worn in the shade for maximum
protection.
Table 1: UPF rating and associated UV radiation levels
absorbed and transmitted
UPF rating
% UV
radiation
absorbed
% UV
radiation
transmitted
15 to 25 (high protection)
93.3 to 96
6.7 to 4
Protective clothing
25 (very high protection)
96
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So far as is reasonably practicable, employers should provide
employees with protective clothing.
30 (very high protection)
96.7
3.3
40 (very high protection)
97.5
2.5
The levels of sun protection provided by clothing increases
with the density of the fabric’s weave, darker colours also
absorb more UV radiation than lighter colours of the same
fabric.
50 (very high protection)
98
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When selecting clothing:
•• Choose clothing that covers as much skin as possible,
for example long sleeve shirts with a collar and long
trousers. Where this level of protection is not reasonably
practicable, shirts with sleeves at least to the elbow
and shorts at least to the knee would be a suitable
alternative.
•• Choose clothing with the highest UFP rating, which
should be referred to on the label. Close-weave fabric
with a UPF of 50+ which offers excellent protection for
the full working day and would suit most applications.
Where fabric does not have a UPF rating, the rule of
thumb is that UV radiation will penetrate if light can be
seen through it.
•• Consider appropriate fit and comfort. Sun protection
garments are available in lightweight, comfortable fabric.
Layering of garments is an effective way of increasing
protection from UV radiation. Stretched, threadbare or
faded fabric is less protective. Loose fitting clothing
helps keep you cool.
Ultraviolet protection factor (UPF)
When selecting clothing and hats for sun protection, refer to
the UPF rating which should be referred to on the label. UPF
indicates the percentage of UV radiation absorbed and
transmitted by the fabric of hats and clothing only. The higher
the rating, the better the protection provided (see table below).
Hats
On sites where safety helmets (hard hats) are mandatory,
additional sun protection is needed during outdoor work to
protect face, ears and neck. Various sun protection
accessories are available for attaching to helmets, such as
broad brims (pictured below centre), brim and flap
attachments, or legionnaire covers with peak and flap at the
back and sides (pictured below left). On sites where safety
helmets are not required, select a hat with a broad brim
(8 to 10 cm) (pictured below right).
Photo: Buildsafe Australia
Wearing a canvas hat with an 8 cm brim, for example, protects
the face, ears, neck and helps protect the eyes. Legionnaire
style caps and bucket hats (6cm brim minimum) also provide
excellent sun protection. A broadbrim hat can also help reduce
UV exposure to the eyes by 50 per cent during daily sun
protection times. Neck flaps are recommended if a person will
be regularly bent over or have their head down with their
tasks.
To provide sufficient protection hats should be made from a
close-weave fabric with a UPF of 50+. Hats should be
practical (not interfere with activities) and well ventilated.
Peaked caps are not recommended as they leave the ears
and back of neck exposed. Note that a hat will only protect the
face from direct sunlight; it will not stop exposure from
reflected or scattered UV radiation. A combination of sun
protective measures should be used, that is a hat, sunscreen,
sunglasses, shade and clothing.
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Information about
Sun protection for outdoor workers
Sun glasses
Eyes are also susceptible to UV exposure and need
protection. Eyes should be protected from UV radiation at all
times when outdoors during daylight hours by using
sunglasses and a hat.
Choose close-fitting, wrap-around style sunglasses (or
sunglasses with side shields) that comply with Australian
Standard AS/NZS 1067:2003 – Sunglasses and fashion
spectacles. Refer to the label and select sunglasses that offer
‘UV protection’ and have an eye protection factor (EPF) of 10.
For tasks where safety glasses are required, either tinted or
clear safety glasses would provide adequate sun protection if
the type of lens is specified for outdoor use, marked with an
‘O’ and complies with the Australian Standard AS/NZS
1337.1:2010 Personal eye protection - eye and face protectors
for occupational applications.
Darker-tinted or polarised lenses may be required to reduce
glare. Note, the colour or darkness of the lens does not
indicate the level of UV protection, compliance with the
relevant standard is still needed to provide adequate
protection.
Sunscreen
So far as is reasonably practicable, employers should provide
employees with sunscreen.
Sunscreen provides a level of protection for areas of skin that
are not covered by sun protection clothing. Sunscreen should
not be relied on alone to protect against UV exposure and
should be used in combination with other sun protection
measures. No sunscreen offers 100 per cent ‘block-out’
protection and sun damage may occur if long periods are
spent outdoors.
A tan does not provide any significant protection against UV
exposure. People who tan easily also need to apply sunscreen.
To ensure the effectiveness of sunscreen:
•• Select a type labelled ‘broad spectrum SPF (sun
protection factor) 30 or higher and water resistant’ for
maximum protection.
•• Apply liberally to clean skin 20 minutes before going
outside to ensure it is absorbed by the skin. A thin
application will reduce the protection level by up to a half.
•• Use a generous amount of sunscreen. The averagesized adult should apply more than half a teaspoon of
sunscreen (about 3ml) to each arm and the face/neck
and just over one teaspoon (about 6ml) to each leg, front
of body and back of body. That is, 35ml of sunscreen for
one full body application of an average-sized adult.
•• Reapply every two hours to clean, dry skin, or more
frequently if perspiring or in contact with water (skin
should be cleaned prior to reapplication if dirty).
•• Use sunscreen before its expiry date and ensure that
it is stored at temperatures below 30 degrees. The
storage of sunscreen is very important and can affect
its effectiveness; sunscreen should not be stored in the
glove box of work vehicles where temperatures can
readily exceed 30 degrees.
•• Any moisturiser or make up should be applied on top of
sunscreen.
Various forms of sunscreen are available, for example cream
and gel in tubes, roll-ons, aerosols or spray packs.
An alternative to sunscreen for exposed areas such as the
nose is ‘zinc cream’. Sun protection should also be applied to
lips using a SPF 30 or higher lip balm or zinc cream.
Employers should keep sunscreen in easily accessible and
visible places, (preferably with a mirror) such as tearooms,
beside exit doors and site offices.
Information, instruction, training or
supervision
Employers must provide such information, instruction, training
or supervision to employees as is necessary to enable those
persons to perform their work in a way that is safe and without
risks to health. This includes providing training on risks
associated with occupational exposure to UV radiation and
sun protection measures.
Where there is a risk of occupational exposure to UV radiation,
training should include the:
•• harmful health effects of exposure to UV radiation and
why outdoor workers are a high risk group
•• factors affecting levels of UV radiation
•• correct use of sun protection measures on site
•• the employer’s sun protection policy, and
•• risk factors and early detection of skin cancer, including
how to check your own skin.
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Information about
Sun protection for outdoor workers
SunSmart offers interactive education sessions for workplaces
across Victoria, covering the recommended topics above. All
sessions are carried out by trained educators and provide the
most up-to-date and evidence-based information on UV
radiation, skin cancer and sun protection. Sessions also
include interactive learning activities, facilitated discussion, and
a range of resources for employers and employees.
SunSmart also provides advice and resources that may assist
employers in writing and implementing sun protection policies
and practices.
For more information go to sunsmart.com.au/work.
Early detection of skin cancer
Early diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer relies on early
detection.
Outdoor workers should be encouraged to check their own
skin often and look for spots that are new or have changed
colour, size or shape. They should see a doctor (GP or
dermatologist) as soon as possible if they notice anything
unusual as skin cancer can develop rapidly.
Information on how to do this is available from SunSmart and
employers should ensure it is provided to employees.
Employees should be informed about:
•• the need to check their own skin
•• the importance of becoming familiar with how their skin
normally looks
•• how to examine their skin
•• what to look for and what to do if a suspicious spot is
noticed.
Employers may choose to provide skin cancer checks as part
of regular workplace medical examinations and preemployment medical checks.
A doctor checks a worker for evidence of skin cancer
Consultation
Employers must, so far as is reasonably practicable, consult
with employees (including independent contractors) and
health and safety representatives, if any, on specified matters
that directly affect, or are likely to directly affect, their health
and safety at the workplaces. This includes consulting during
the development of the employer’s sun protection policy and
selecting appropriate sun protection measures.
For more information on consultation go to
worksafe.vic.gov.au.
Further information
Contact the WorkSafe Victoria Advisory Service on
1800 136 089 or go to worksafe.vic.gov.au.
Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004
Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007
legislation.vic.gov.au
Standards Australia
AS/NZS 1067:2003/Amdt 1: 2009 - Sunglasses and
fashion spectacles
AS/NZS 1337.1:2010/Amdt 1: 2012 - Eye and face
protectors for occupational applications
AS/NZS 2604:2012 - Sunscreen products - evaluation
and classification
For copies of these standards contact Standards Australia
on 1300 654 646 or go to standards.com.au.
Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety
Agency
arpansa.gov.au
The Cancer Council Victoria (SunSmart)
03 9514 6419 or go to sunsmart.com.au
Related keywords
Construction Ultraviolet Radiation Sunlight Employers
Exposure Reduce Risk Skin Cancer, UV, cancer,
Sun protection, Outdoor, Agriculture
Note: This guidance material has been prepared using the best information
available to WorkSafe, and should be used for general use only. Any
information about legislative obligations or responsibilities included in this
material is only applicable to the circumstances described in the material. You
should always check the legislation referred to in this material and make your
own judgement about what action you may need to take to ensure you have
complied with the law. Accordingly, WorkSafe cannot be held responsible and
extends no warranties as to the suitability of the information for your specific
circumstances; or actions taken by third parties as a result of information
contained in the guidance material.
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