August 2016 The purpose of this guidance is to assist employers, employees and independent contractors to understand the risk of occupational exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight. It will assist employers in ensuring that the risk of UV radiation exposure is eliminated or reduced so far as is reasonably practicable. Background Australia and New Zealand have the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world. In Victoria, more than 40,000 new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed annually. Occupational exposure to UV radiation can occur via direct sunlight, reflections from surfaces, and the scattering of UV through the atmosphere. It is estimated that in Australia around 200 melanoma and 34,000 non-melanoma skin cancers per year are caused by occupational exposure to UV radiation. The risk of exposure is greater for those working outdoors for extended periods of time (for example farmers, plumbers, heavy vehicle drivers, miners, and agriculture industry workers) and those who work near reflective surfaces (for example water, roofing iron, sand, and concrete). Outdoor workers generally receive five to ten times more exposure to UV radiation per year than indoor workers. The Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OHS Act) requires that employers must, so far as is reasonably practicable, provide and maintain for employees (including independent contractors and employees of independent contractors) a working environment that is safe and without risks to health. The OHS Act also requires that employees, while at work, must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and co-operate with their employer with respect to any action by the employer to comply with requirements imposed by the OHS Act or Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007. General information What is UV radiation? UV radiation is the invisible wavelengths of sunlight that can damage the skin. Unlike infrared light which is felt as heat, UV radiation cannot be felt. The level of UV radiation varies depending on the time of the year, height of the sun, cloud cover, and proximity of surfaces which can reflect and scatter UV radiation. The level of UV radiation is expressed as the UV index. In Victoria, sun protection is recommended when the forecast UV index is 3, which is generally from September to April. Sun protection is recommended all year round for outdoor workers to reduce the risk of cumulative UV exposure. While UV radiation enables the body to produce Vitamin D, only a small dose is needed (a few minutes in summer and 30 minutes in winter) as too much UV exposure can destroy Vitamin D produced by the body. What is skin cancer? Cumulative exposure to UV radiation can damage the body s skin cells. This can result in various forms of skin cancer which can be fatal if not detected and treated early. The most common types of skin cancer are: Basal cell carcinoma appears as a red lump or scaly area. Usually found on the head, neck and upper body. Squamous cell carcinoma appears as a thick, scaly red spot that may bleed, crust or ulcerate. Occurs on most exposed areas of the body. Can spread to other parts of the body. Other less common but more dangerous forms of skin cancer are: Nodular melanoma raised, firm and dome shaped pimple-sized melanoma that is red, pink, brown or black. Develops quickly, over weeks and spreads to other parts of the body. Flat melanoma appears anywhere on the body as a flat spot with a mix of colours and an uneven, smudgy outline. Changes colour, size or shape. Can spread to other parts of the body. WSV1741/01/08.16
Common types of skin cancer: Basal cell carcinoma Squamous cell carcinoma Less common but more dangerous forms of skin cancer: Nodular melanoma Photos: SunSmart (Cancer Council Victoria) Sun protection measures Flat melanoma What forms of sun protection are most effective? Sun protection is recommended all year round for outdoor workers to reduce the risk of cumulative UV exposure. Employers must eliminate the risk of UV exposure so far as is reasonably practicable. If it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate the risk, employers must reduce the risk so far as is reasonably practicable. Employers should conduct a risk assessment on outdoor work to assist in developing appropriate sun protection measures. The most effective way to eliminate or reduce the risk of UV exposure is to implement a combination of protection measures. Employers should document such measures in a sun protection policy, or part of a policy, and ensure that the effectiveness of protection measures is monitored and reviewed. In order of effectiveness, following the hierarchy of controls, sun protection measures include: re-organising work using shade providing appropriate protective clothing and equipment applying sunscreen. Re-organising work So far as is reasonably practicable, employers should re-organise outdoor work to avoid it being undertaken for long periods of time and/or during the UV peak of the day (11 am to 3 pm during daylight saving and 10 am to 2 pm at other times). This may include: minimising the amount of outdoor work moving jobs undercover doing outdoor tasks in the early morning or late in the day sharing outdoor and indoor work, rotating employees to minimise individual exposure. Using shade So far as is reasonably practicable, employers should ensure that employees undertake outdoor work in the shade. Where work has to occur outside, assess the location of this work, proximity to reflective surfaces (for example, water, roofing iron, sand, and concrete) and the availability of natural shade from surrounding structures or trees. If there is no natural shade, have a physical barrier to UV exposure by erecting temporary artificial shade structures, if reasonably practicable. If it is not reasonably practicable to arrange work in the shade, shade should be provided for breaks, especially lunch breaks. Examples of shade structures are: awnings generally made from closely woven fabric and that have a 98+% ultraviolet effectiveness market-type shade umbrellas provide strong protection due to dense weave and may be plastic coated (plastic is a strong absorber of UV radiation), most material would have a 98+% ultraviolet effectiveness structures using roofing materials clear plastic or tinted plastic roofing materials that have a 98+% ultraviolet effectiveness structures using shade cloth ultraviolet effectiveness ratings may be low to moderate. Note: ultraviolet effectiveness is used when referring to shade and ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) is used when referring to protective clothing and hats. An ultraviolet effectiveness of 98+% is equivalent to a UPF of 50+. 2
Note: As UV radiation can be reflected or scattered from surrounding surfaces, employees and independent contractors are potentially exposed to a great deal of UV radiation even when working in the shade or under overhead protection. As such, sun protection (protective clothing and sunscreen) should continue to be worn in the shade for maximum protection. Protective clothing So far as is reasonably practicable, employers should provide employees with protective clothing. The levels of sun protection provided by clothing increases with the density of the fabric s weave, darker colours also absorb more UV radiation than lighter colours of the same fabric. When selecting clothing: Choose clothing that covers as much skin as possible, for example long sleeve shirts with a collar and long trousers. Where this level of protection is not reasonably practicable, shirts with sleeves at least to the elbow and shorts at least to the knee would be a suitable alternative. Choose clothing with the highest UFP rating, which should be referred to on the label. Close-weave fabric with a UPF of 50+ which offers excellent protection for the full working day and would suit most applications. Where fabric does not have a UPF rating, the rule of thumb is that UV radiation will penetrate if light can be seen through it. Consider appropriate fit and comfort. Sun protection garments are available in lightweight, comfortable fabric. Layering of garments is an effective way of increasing protection from UV radiation. Stretched, threadbare or faded fabric is less protective. Loose fitting clothing helps keep you cool. Ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) When selecting clothing and hats for sun protection, refer to the UPF rating which should be referred to on the label. UPF indicates the percentage of UV radiation absorbed and transmitted by the fabric of hats and clothing only. The higher the rating, the better the protection provided (see table below). Table 1: UPF rating and associated UV radiation levels absorbed and transmitted UPF rating % UV radiation absorbed % UV radiation transmitted 15 to 25 (high protection) 93.3 to 96 6.7 to 4 25 (very high protection) 96 4 30 (very high protection) 96.7 3.3 40 (very high protection) 97.5 2.5 50 (very high protection) 98 2 Hats On sites where safety helmets (hard hats) are mandatory, additional sun protection is needed during outdoor work to protect face, ears and neck. Various sun protection accessories are available for attaching to helmets, such as broad brims (pictured below centre), brim and flap attachments, or legionnaire covers with peak and flap at the back and sides (pictured below left). On sites where safety helmets are not required, select a hat with a broad brim (8 to 10 cm) (pictured below right). Photo: Buildsafe Australia Wearing a canvas hat with an 8 cm brim, for example, protects the face, ears, neck and helps protect the eyes. Legionnaire style caps and bucket hats (6cm brim minimum) also provide excellent sun protection. A broadbrim hat can also help reduce UV exposure to the eyes by 50 per cent during daily sun protection times. Neck flaps are recommended if a person will be regularly bent over or have their head down with their tasks. To provide sufficient protection hats should be made from a close-weave fabric with a UPF of 50+. Hats should be practical (not interfere with activities) and well ventilated. Peaked caps are not recommended as they leave the ears and back of neck exposed. Note that a hat will only protect the face from direct sunlight; it will not stop exposure from reflected or scattered UV radiation. A combination of sun protective measures should be used, that is a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, shade and clothing. 3
Sun glasses Eyes are also susceptible to UV exposure and need protection. Eyes should be protected from UV radiation at all times when outdoors during daylight hours by using sunglasses and a hat. Choose close-fitting, wrap-around style sunglasses (or sunglasses with side shields) that comply with Australian Standard AS/NZS 1067:2003 Sunglasses and fashion spectacles. Refer to the label and select sunglasses that offer UV protection and have an eye protection factor (EPF) of 10. For tasks where safety glasses are required, either tinted or clear safety glasses would provide adequate sun protection if the type of lens is specified for outdoor use, marked with an O and complies with the Australian Standard AS/NZS 1337.1:2010 Personal eye protection - eye and face protectors for occupational applications. Darker-tinted or polarised lenses may be required to reduce glare. Note, the colour or darkness of the lens does not indicate the level of UV protection, compliance with the relevant standard is still needed to provide adequate protection. Sunscreen So far as is reasonably practicable, employers should provide employees with sunscreen. Sunscreen provides a level of protection for areas of skin that are not covered by sun protection clothing. Sunscreen should not be relied on alone to protect against UV exposure and should be used in combination with other sun protection measures. No sunscreen offers 100 per cent block-out protection and sun damage may occur if long periods are spent outdoors. A tan does not provide any significant protection against UV exposure. People who tan easily also need to apply sunscreen. To ensure the effectiveness of sunscreen: Select a type labelled broad spectrum SPF (sun protection factor) 30 or higher and water resistant for maximum protection. Apply liberally to clean skin 20 minutes before going outside to ensure it is absorbed by the skin. A thin application will reduce the protection level by up to a half. Use a generous amount of sunscreen. The averagesized adult should apply more than half a teaspoon of sunscreen (about 3ml) to each arm and the face/neck and just over one teaspoon (about 6ml) to each leg, front of body and back of body. That is, 35ml of sunscreen for one full body application of an average-sized adult. Reapply every two hours to clean, dry skin, or more frequently if perspiring or in contact with water (skin should be cleaned prior to reapplication if dirty). Use sunscreen before its expiry date and ensure that it is stored at temperatures below 30 degrees. The storage of sunscreen is very important and can affect its effectiveness; sunscreen should not be stored in the glove box of work vehicles where temperatures can readily exceed 30 degrees. Any moisturiser or make up should be applied on top of sunscreen. Various forms of sunscreen are available, for example cream and gel in tubes, roll-ons, aerosols or spray packs. An alternative to sunscreen for exposed areas such as the nose is zinc cream. Sun protection should also be applied to lips using a SPF 30 or higher lip balm or zinc cream. Employers should keep sunscreen in easily accessible and visible places, (preferably with a mirror) such as tearooms, beside exit doors and site offices. Information, instruction, training or supervision Employers must provide such information, instruction, training or supervision to employees as is necessary to enable those persons to perform their work in a way that is safe and without risks to health. This includes providing training on risks associated with occupational exposure to UV radiation and sun protection measures. Where there is a risk of occupational exposure to UV radiation, training should include the: harmful health effects of exposure to UV radiation and why outdoor workers are a high risk group factors affecting levels of UV radiation correct use of sun protection measures on site the employer s sun protection policy, and risk factors and early detection of skin cancer, including how to check your own skin. 4
SunSmart offers interactive education sessions for workplaces across Victoria, covering the recommended topics above. All sessions are carried out by trained educators and provide the most up-to-date and evidence-based information on UV radiation, skin cancer and sun protection. Sessions also include interactive learning activities, facilitated discussion, and a range of resources for employers and employees. SunSmart also provides advice and resources that may assist employers in writing and implementing sun protection policies and practices. For more information go to sunsmart.com.au/work. Early detection of skin cancer Early diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer relies on early detection. Outdoor workers should be encouraged to check their own skin often and look for spots that are new or have changed colour, size or shape. They should see a doctor (GP or dermatologist) as soon as possible if they notice anything unusual as skin cancer can develop rapidly. Information on how to do this is available from SunSmart and employers should ensure it is provided to employees. Employees should be informed about: the need to check their own skin the importance of becoming familiar with how their skin normally looks how to examine their skin what to look for and what to do if a suspicious spot is noticed. Employers may choose to provide skin cancer checks as part of regular workplace medical examinations and preemployment medical checks. Consultation Employers must, so far as is reasonably practicable, consult with employees (including independent contractors) and health and safety representatives, if any, on specified matters that directly affect, or are likely to directly affect, their health and safety at the workplaces. This includes consulting during the development of the employer s sun protection policy and selecting appropriate sun protection measures. For more information on consultation go to worksafe.vic.gov.au. Further information Contact the WorkSafe Victoria Advisory Service on 1800 136 089 or go to worksafe.vic.gov.au. Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007 legislation.vic.gov.au Standards Australia AS/NZS 1067:2003/Amdt 1: 2009 - Sunglasses and fashion spectacles AS/NZS 1337.1:2010/Amdt 1: 2012 - Eye and face protectors for occupational applications AS/NZS 2604:2012 - Sunscreen products - evaluation and classification For copies of these standards contact Standards Australia on 1300 654 646 or go to standards.com.au. Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency arpansa.gov.au The Cancer Council Victoria (SunSmart) 03 9514 6419 or go to sunsmart.com.au Related keywords Construction Ultraviolet Radiation Sunlight Employers Exposure Reduce Risk Skin Cancer, UV, cancer, Sun protection, Outdoor, Agriculture A doctor checks a worker for evidence of skin cancer Note: This guidance material has been prepared using the best information available to WorkSafe, and should be used for general use only. Any information about legislative obligations or responsibilities included in this material is only applicable to the circumstances described in the material. You should always check the legislation referred to in this material and make your own judgement about what action you may need to take to ensure you have complied with the law. Accordingly, WorkSafe cannot be held responsible and extends no warranties as to the suitability of the information for your specific circumstances; or actions taken by third parties as a result of information contained in the guidance material. 5