As climate change increases the likelihood of heatwaves and as we head into summer, ultraviolet (UV) protection needs to be at the forefront of everyone’s mind. If not appropriately managed, the weather can have a serious impact on individuals who work outdoors who are at risk from exposure to UV radiation.
As we all know, too much sunlight can damage the skin by causing sunburn, blistering, premature skin ageing, and it also has the potential to cause skin cancer (melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma).
Business leaders have a legal and moral duty to protect employees who work outdoors in hot weather, and below are some recommended key actions and precautions employers should consider taking:
- Conduct a thorough risk assessment specific to workers’ exposure and determine suitable controls.
- Provide staff with relevant information and training, including being able to spot the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
- Ensure all workers wear water-resistant sunscreen no less than SPF30, which is to be reapplied throughout the day.
- Where feasible limit workers’ exposure by adjusting work schedules to avoid peak heat hours (usually 11am to 3pm).
- Ensure workers have easy access to fresh cool drinking water to ensure they stay hydrated.
- Provide appropriate PPE and lightweight, breathable, UV-protective clothing and headwear.
- Provide sheltered or shaded rest areas, and erect canopies to work under if the activity allows.
- Monitor weather forecasts to anticipate high temperatures and plan accordingly.
- Utilise a UV index app to better inform workers of when to use sun protection.
- Modify working practices where possible to reduce physical demands during periods of hot weather.
- Record any heat-related incidents and review control measures after any extreme weather event or incident.
These steps align with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance and could assist to reduce health risks, absenteeism, and liability claims.
Further guidance, template documentation and training on a wide range of health and safety subject matters is available via RMworks, which is available to all Griffiths & Armour clients. If you have any questions about the contents of this article, please get in touch.
