It’s not too late to make a New Year’s resolution that you, your family and your workers will get into sun and heat safe habits.

Ultra-violet (UV) rays are deadly, so sun safety is vital in Queensland where the UV Index is three or above all year round. Outdoor workers must be supplied with sun protective clothing including a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. You can also look at the possibility of rotating tasks that are in the sun, reorganising work schedules or providing a portable shade structure if the temperatures soar.

Develop sun safety protocols as part of your safety management system. The sun safety section of the Cancer Council Queensland QUEST program has free resources to assist you to create a workplace that promotes sun safety.

Education programs such as Danger Sun Overhead, run through Melanoma Patients Australia, inform workers on the health impacts, prevention and early detection of skin cancer—including the deadliest type, melanoma. This program can be delivered at your workplace.

Taking adequate breaks and keeping hydrated is important to prevent fatigue, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and cramping. Our heat stress tool can be used to predict if heat-induced illness is likely.

Further information

For more information on keeping your workers safe in hot, sunny conditions, visit worksafe.qld.gov.au or call 1300 362 128.