Controlling exposure
At any time when your shadow is smaller than you, there is a risk of UV radiation exposure. Every workplace should carry out its own assessment of sun exposure, identify tasks that place workers at risk, and control the degree of exposure.
- Wear personal protection (sunscreen, sunglasses and suitable clothing), take precautions and set limits during summer's highest risk time - between 10am and 2pm (or between 10am and 3pm in western Queensland).
- Reorganise work schedules so that outdoor tasks are done early in the morning or late in the day.
- Rotate or job-share tasks that involve direct sun exposure.
- Implement easy 'sun smart policies (such as a directive that workers drive with their vehicle windows up between 10am and 2pm).
- Plan the work around the movement of the sun. For instance, do outdoor work on the western and northern side of a building in the morning, and work on the eastern and southern sides in the afternoon.
- Where possible, do not work in an environment heated by several sources (such as burning off under a mid-summer sun).
- Use trees, buildings and temporary shelters (such as awnings or tarps) to shade the work area and/or rest area.
- Insulate plant and equipment to reduce radiant heat emissions.
- Where possible, fit a shade to equipment and machinery (such as tractors, small earthmovers, etc). Do not remove shielding that is provided on plant or equipment.
- Provide laminated windscreens and tinted side windows to trucks or vehicles.
- Where possible, mechanise physically demanding tasks.
- Take rest or meal breaks in shady areas.
- Drink plenty of cool water.
- Gradually adjust your workload when starting or returning to work in hot conditions. Generally, the process takes about a week.
- In extreme conditions, wear specialised liquid or air cooled clothing.
- Screen workers for heat tolerance.
- Follow a doctor's advice before working in hot conditions if you are on medications such as sedatives, tranquillisers, antidepressants, amphetamines, antispasmodics, diuretics or medication affecting blood pressure.
- Have a plan in place for treating heat affected workers.
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