SunSmart Workplaces
Protect your skin outdoors
- Too much sun damages your skin and can cause skin cancer, including melanoma.
- Over 400 New Zealanders die from skin cancer each year.
- Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is a workplace hazard.
- Between September and April protect yourself from UVR, especially between 10am and 4pm.
- Your skin can be damaged by UVR even on cloudy or cool days.
- Use the SunSmart steps to minimise UVR in your workplace.
SunSmart steps – Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap
Slip into some shade and slip on sun protective clothing.
Whenever possible work and take breaks in the shade.
Wear long pants and a long-sleeved, collared shirt.
Slop sunscreen on all uncovered skin.
Wear a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF30+. Apply at least 15 minutes before going outside. Reapply at least every two hours, more often if you are sweating or are in the water.
Slap on a hat. Wear a hat with a broad brim or a bucket style hat that protects your head, face (including eyes and ears) and neck. When you wear a hard hat or helmet, use a sun brim and neck flap.
Wrap on some sunglasses. Wear close fitting, wrap-around styles.
Check your skin
- Check your skin regularly so you know what it looks like – get someone to check your back, your head and the back of your neck. If you notice any change in a spot, freckle or mole, get it checked by your GP as soon as possible.
- See examples of skin damage at:
http://www.dermnet.org.nz/
http://www.melanoma.org.nz/
Keep hydrated
Sample Policy
Workplace Examples:
An outdoor worker talks about sun safety
Find our Submissions here
SBRU’s Submission
Last Updated: Monday 29 April, 2013
