Under South Australian occupational health and safety legislation, all employers must protect employees by providing a safe working environment that is free of health risks. This includes taking proper steps to reduce the known health risks associated with exposure to solar Ultra-Violet Radiation (UVR) for workers who spend all or part of their time working outdoors.
Employees also have a duty to take care of their own health and safety and co-operate with employers’ efforts to improve health and safety.
Heat illness is a separate occupational hazard for outdoor workers and as an employer you should consider implementing a sun protection program. Simple control measures can reduce the risk of heat illness and sun exposure. They include:
- shade for outdoor work
- rest breaks in cooler, shaded or indoor areas
- provision of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing for air movement and sun protection
- changes to work schedules so heavy work occurs at cooler times when solar ultraviolet radiation is less intense
- rotation of workers between cooler, shaded tasks and hot outdoor work
- staff training so they understand the dangers.
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