By 09/07/2019

Under: Team Welfare

How to Keep Your Team Safe in the Sun

Melanoma Stats

Melanoma skin cancer is the fifth most common form of cancer in the UK. The disease kills over 2,500 people each year in the UK and rates continue to rise. With Cancer Research UK reporting that 86% of cases are preventable, it’s vital employers are taking sun safety seriously and are providing sun protection for workers.

The Health and Safety at Work Act makes clear there is a legal duty on every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health of their employees. This includes conducting a suitable risk assessment of the hazards to health in the workplace, including the risks from UV radiation. 

Creating a Sun Protection Strategy 

To make sure your team stays safe and protected, you need a comprehensive sun protection strategy. This should include:

• Amending schedules to minimise work when the sun is at its strongest. In the UK, this is between 11am and 3pm from March to October.
• Ensuring adequate break times in a shaded area.
• Providing shading over work areas where possible.
• Providing appropriate PPE including hats,&nbsp UV blocking sunglasses and long-sleeved clothing.
• Providing plenty of water stations.
• Providing high factor sun cream (SPF 30 minimum).

Sun Protection Education and Training

As well as making sure all necessary plans and equipment are in place, teams will need to be well educated about sun protection and how to use protective methods effectively. For example, do teams know that sun cream should be applied 30 minutes before exposure and reapplied every two hours? Have they been informed of the risks and signs of heat stress and dehydration? 

What if My Team is Employed Through an Agency?

In industries such as construction and agriculture, outdoor workers may be employed through an agency. However, even if you do not employ workers directly, both you and the agency have a legal duty to ensure the safety of that worker whilst they work at your site, 

Are you stocked up with sun safety supplies? The Enfield Safety team is on hand to offer our knowledge and expertise on all your summer safety needs. Shop online or contact: 0333 003 5710. 

Enfield Safety – no one works harder to bring you health, safety and welfare products at the right price, on time, every time.