Consultancy Focus: Hot Weather

Sunshine, Hot Weather and Employers Responsibilities

With the recent spell of good weather we have had, and hopefully, more to come, it is important to ensure the impact it may have on an employee’s health is taken into account if the risks have not been considered or properly managed.

NHS England, supported by IOSH  have recently launched the ‘Cover up Mate’ campaign in the South of England where skin cancer rates are the highest CLICK HERE for access to a range of useful resources you can print and share amongst your workforce.  The campaign is particularly targeted at those spending long periods of time outdoors including farmers, builders, gardeners and sports people

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV) from the sun can cause skin damage including sunburn, blistering, skin ageing and in the long term can lead to skin cancer which is one of the most common forms of cancer in the UK with over 50,000 new cases every year.

 

If your employee’s regularly work outdoors then this should be considered in your risk assessments and controls put in place to minimise exposure to the sun and heat.

These could include;

• Sun protection advice during routine health and safety training
• Encouraging employees to keep covered up during the summer months – especially around mid-day when the sun is at its strongest i.e. with long sleeved shirts and hats that can protect the neck and ears
• Encouraging employees to use sunscreen of at least SPF (Sun Protection Factor) 15 on any part of the body that is not covered up
• Encouraging employees to take their breaks in the shade, if possible, rather than staying out in the sun
• Scheduling work to minimise employees exposure to the sun
• Providing water to encourage employees to avoid dehydration
• Keep employees informed about the dangers of exposure to the sun
• Encouraging employees to check their skin regularly for unusual spots or moles that change size, shape or colour and to seek prompt medical advice if they find anything that causes them concern.

As qualified and experienced health and safety professionals, we can make managing health and safety in your business ‘Hassle Free’, including advice on how to carry out risk assessments taking into account outdoor working.

Whatever your health and safety needs, give us a call today 0117 958 2070 or e-mail us info@acornsafety.co.uk and make your health and safety, ‘Hassle Free’

Nigel Braybrooke, Health & Safety Consultant and Training Manager