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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