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A workplace protection program
The Cancer Council Tasmania recommends that all workplaces adopt an ultraviolet (UV) radiation protection program. It should include a written UV radiation protection policy and strategies for the prevention and early detection of skin cancer in the workplace.
The most effective workplace UV radiation protection programs are developed in consultation with employees and their representatives.
Why assess UV radiation risk:
Conducting an ultraviolet (UV) risk assessment in consultation with staff will identify:
those who have a high risk of exposure to UV radiation
situations or work systems that have high UV radiation exposure risks.
Who can assess the risk:
The employer and/or nominated employee representatives can carry out the risk assessment. Specialist skills are not needed, but it is vital that the assessor has a sound knowledge of the work environment and work processes being assessed.
How to assess the risk
Use SunSmart's Sample UV Risk Assessment [pdf] brochure as a guide.
Do a walk through inspection to gather information about work areas and to determine the amount of UV radiation employees are exposed to.
It is recommended that your UV radiation risk assessment considers environmental factors including:
the time of day employees are outside and for how long: UV radiation is most intense in the middle of the day, between 10 am and 2 pm (11 am and 3 pm during daylight saving)
the time of year outdoor work occurs: UV radiation levels are most intense from September to April
reflective surfaces: UV radiation can bounce off surfaces such as metal roofing, painted walls and concrete, so shade won't block all UV rays
the presence or use of photosensitising substances in the workplace: certain substances, such as coal tar, some dyes and plants such as dill and fennel, can intensify the effects of UV radiation exposure on the skin or eyes.
It is also important to note any existing measures in place that influence total UV radiation exposure, including:
the current levels and availability of shade during outdoor work or rest breaks
the degree of influence an employee has over their work schedule, for example, early starts
the level of protection offered by sun-protective items currently provided to outdoor workers.
Once the risk assessment is complete, the results can be used to prepare a risk control plan. These are the control measures recorded in your organisation's UV radiation protection policy [pdf].
