A Guide to Working Safely Outdoors
Safety at work is not just limited to the equipment and processes used. Working outside can be precarious in other ways, particularly when the sun shines.
Sun safety for those trades who work outdoors is crucial in the prevention of risks associated with sun exposure. As stated by the Sun Safe Workplaces organisation, "employers not only have a moral obligation to ensure the health and safety of their employees, but also a legal one." This means providing employees with personal protective equipment that will safeguard them against sun damage. Offering training around how to protect against sun damage and how to detect early signs of skin cancer, and ensuring employees are supervised correctly are also ways in which employers can help safeguard employees.
Employees and self-employed workers also have a duty to themselves to ensure they are protected. Ways in which they can do this as well as how employers can help to protect their employees - include:
Sunscreen
This may sound obvious, but wearing sunscreen everyday is imperative. It not only prevents skin from burning but also helps to reduce the risk of skin cancer. Ensuring all employees are wearing sunscreen - maybe even supplying it on site will help to protect everyone.
Suitable clothing
It's important to always wear the most suitable clothing. Although it's warm you may find that loose-fitting long-sleeved tops and trousers will protect more against damaging UV rays.
Plentiful water
Staying hydrated is imperative in warm weather, so ensuring your employees or you have easy access to water is extremely important.
Regular breaks in a shaded area
We understand that schedules must be adhered to, but regular breaks in a shaded area when it is very warm, is a good way of keeping everyone cool. The better people feel, the better they work.
As well as Sun Safe Workplaces, the British Skin Foundation has a wealth of information and guidance on how to implement sun safe working.
Keeping your employees and yourself sun safe will help to promote a safe and successful working environment.
