Sun protection in workplaces

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Developing a UV radiation protection program

How much sun exposure is necessary to cause skin cancer varies from one person to another, but it is likely that risk of the disease increases with sun exposure for everyone.
Outdoor workers have a much higher risk of developing non-melanocytic (the most common) skin cancers given the nature of their work.
UV exposure is now a well-recognised workplace hazard for all employees – full time, part time and contractors who spend all or part of their working day outdoors exposed to the sun.
Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1995 (Tasmania), both employers and employees have responsibilities to reduce the risk of all types of injury and other risks to health.
Employers need to ensure that their systems of work are safe, that supervision is adequate, that education and training is provided and the workplace is safe as far as possible.
Employees also have duty of care responsibilities to comply with all instructions given by their employer for reasons of health and safety and not engage in risk taking behaviour.

SunSmart working with industry
SunSmart, the skin cancer control program of Cancer Council Tasmania aims to minimise the human cost of skin cancer in Tasmania.
In January 2009 in conjunction with the Tasmanian Building and Construction Industry Training Board, WorkCover Tasmania and the Local Government Association of Tasmania, Cancer Council Tasmania launced the first industry-wide education program to create sunsafe workplaces in Tasmania.
The SunSmart Workplace Program supports and helps organisations to reduce any risks employees may face associated with occupational exposure to UV radiation in sunlight.
To initiate change the SunSmart Workplace Program:
provides information, support, ideas and feedback to workplaces
develops and disseminates resources to assist organisations in the development of comprehensive UV radiation protection programs including the UV radiation protection policies
helps organisations to develop and deliver their own skin cancer programs and sun protection initiatives targeting outdoor or indoor workers
provides consultancy services to business on sun protection policy issues.


Online training course for outdoor workers
The Cancer Council's SunSmart program and iCourses, online safety training specialists, now provide Working safely in the sun, a flexible training option for learning about the hazards of sun exposure in the workplace.
Working safely in the sun is ideal for employee safety training, staff induction, refresher training programs or professional development for H&S representatives.
The course allows organisations to train workers individually, in small groups or have their own workplace trainer facilitate the course. Workers can learn at their own pace, in their own workplace and at a time that best fits a busy work schedule.
The course covers:
UV radiation - why it is harmful and when it is strong enough to damage the skin?
Skin cancer - who is at risk?
Five simple steps to protect your skin when working outdoors
Looking out for skin cancer and how to check your skin

For more information and to register go to sunsmartelearning.com.au

SunSmart speakers service
Cancer Council Tasmania will provide trained staff to visit your organisation to conduct an education session on skin cancer issues. Educating workers about skin cancer and sun protection will help your employees understand more about the importance of being SunSmart, not only at work, but in their leisure time as well. Sessions are also available for supervisors, management and/or health and safety professionals.
Education sessions are provided on a "fee for service" basis. In general topics covered include:
Skin cancer - What is it?, what causes it? and who is at risk?
The nature of ultraviolet (UV) radiation
UV as a workplace hazard
Sun protection and skin cancer prevention measures
Early detection of skin cancer - checking your own skin.

Sun protection for indoor workers
Indoor workers are at higher than average risk of melanoma because of their intermittent exposure to the sun. When sun protection is a priority at work it dramatically improves workers’ everyday sun habits.

Resources for industry
The following resources are designed to help you to develop, implement and promote sun protection in your workplace or to provide additional information:
Protecting your workers from ultraviolet radiation in sunlight [booklet]
Working outdoors: a skin cancer risk [brochure]
Sun protection in the workplace [Information sheet]
UV alert: your guide to sun protection [brochure]
Learn to look at your moles [bookmark
Skin spots to watch [information sheet]
Sunglasses & eye protection [brochure]
Sunscreen: how, what where & why [brochure
Posters and videos

Disclaimer
www.cancertas.org.au last updated 12 April 2010