When working outdoors

Outdoor workers receive five to 10 times more sun exposure each year than indoor workers. Spending long periods outdoors can put you at high risk of skin cancer.

When working outdoors, particularly when there is a SunSmart UV Alert, protect yourself from skin cancer in five simple steps.

1. Seek shade: reduce your total sun exposure tally every day by working in the shade, indoors or at times when UV levels are lower – early morning or late afternoon.
2. Slip on sun protective work clothing.
3. Slap on a sun protective hat.
4. Slide on sunglasses.
5. Slop on SPF 30+ broad spectrum sunscreen.

Remember to use these steps together whenever possible for the best protection.

Learn to use the SunSmart UV Alert. It tells you the times during the day when sun protection is needed.

Download Skin cancer and outdoor work: a guide for working safely in the sun [pdf 276K] for more information on staying safe while working outside.

Download Protect your farm's most important asset. You. [pdf 617K] to read the story of Les Coleman, a farmer who learnt firsthand the cost of not protecting himself. 

Checking for skin cancer

All outdoor workers should regularly check their skin. Look for unusual spots that could be cancer. Most skin cancers that are found and treated early can be cured.

Does your workplace provide sun protection?

Health and safety law means employers should provide a safe workplace. This includes protecting you from sun-related health risks and injury.

If sun protection is not a part of your safety program, talk to your health and safety representative, supervisor or manager. Skin cancer and outdoor work: a guide for employers [pdf 2.23M] provides information and advice to confidently address sun protection in the workplace.

If sun protection is provided, you, the employee, are legally responsible for:

• complying with all instructions given for reasons of health and safety
• not engaging in risk-taking behaviour.

You have a right to be consulted about job hazards and their management so report any problems quickly.

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