Sun protection and heat stress
Sun exposure can damage the eyes and skin causing cornea and lens damage, and skin cancer. People who work outdoors with horses, especially during the hottest part of the day (between 10am and 3pm) are at particular risk.
Employers should carry out an assessment of how much sun workers are exposed to. To reduce sun exposure employers could:
- change outdoor work so it is performed outside the hours of 10am to 3pm
- make maximum use of natural shade from the trees, buildings and other structures or supply portable structures
- ensure all workers who work in the sun use personal protection, for example broad brimmed hats, appropriate clothing and broad spectrum sunscreen.
Heat exposure may lead to a number of heat illnesses ranging from mild (prickly heat) to life threatening (heat stroke). To avoid heat stress, the golden rule for people in hot conditions who may be feeling weak or faint is to stop immediately, take in fluids and cool down.
- drink small amounts of water regularly, at least two litres of cool water a day, more if sweating heavily
- introduce new workers gradually to hot work
- provide shade and air movement where possible
- plan hot jobs for cooler parts of the day
- provide cool rest areas
- wear lightest clothing that provides sun protection
- avoid unnecessary salt intake and avoid drinking alcohol during the day
- be careful if wearing protective clothing that does not allow evaporation.
Further information on sun protection and heat stress is provided in sections 13 and 14 of The Horse Riding Schools, Trail Riding Establishments and Horse Hiring Establishments Industry Code of Practice 2002.
More on sun safety and heat stress.
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