At work
SunSmart recommends that all Victorian workplaces develop a sun protection program to protect workers from sun exposure and reduce their risk of skin cancer.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation produced by the sun is a known carcinogen (something that causes cancer). Outdoor workers typically receive five to 10 times more sun exposure yearly than indoor workers. Employees who work outdoors for all or part of the day have a higher than average risk of skin cancer.
SunSmart can help employers develop and implement their programs by providing:
- Guidelines and policy including the national guide for employers, a sample UV risk assessment and sun protection policy
- Workplace education services for workers and those responsible for health and safety
- Resources for workplaces for publications developed specifically for workplaces.
- Content for organisational newsletters and websites for copy specific to indoor and outdoor workers in Victoria – an excellent way to promote sun protection in the workplace during spring and summer.
Resources for farmers
- Download the brochure Protect your farm's most important asset. You. [pdf 462K]
- Download the poster Protect your farm's most important asset. You. [pdf 464K]
Also refer to:
- Sun protection: when working outdoors for information for employees
- Sun protection in the workplace Cancer Council Australia position statement
- Guidance note for the protection of workers from ultraviolet radiation in sunlight from the Australian Safety and Compensation Council
- Radiation protection standard for occupational exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency
- WorkSafe Victoria for industry specific sun protection information
- Creating effective shade: shade audit tool
