UV radiation is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen – it is known to cause cancer in humans. Outdoor workers are exposed to UV all year round, increasing their risk of skin cancer. For people who work outdoors, daily sun protection is recommended no matter the time of year.
SunSmart has developed UV safety training programs and resources to help you meet your duty of care and protect your workforce from UV radiation – a serious occupational health and safety hazard.
Work health and safety legislation, specific to each Australian state or territory, has the clear objective of preventing illness and injury at work and saving lives. All employers or Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking must provide a safe working environment that is free of health risks. This includes reducing exposure to UV radiation at work.
Australian workplace health and safety legislation requires employers to protect workers from harmful UV radiation and reduce the risk of skin cancer. Implementing a comprehensive sun protection program can prevent UV-related injuries and reduce the personal and financial burden of skin cancer.
Recent Cancer Council Victoria research shows that while most Victorian business who employ outdoor workers have a sun protection policy, 1 in 5 (21%) do not. Having a sun protection policy leads to better sun safety behaviours and practices in the workplace
SunSmart recommends workplaces have a comprehensive sun protection program in place, including:
- Sun protection control measures—the introduction and maintenance of protective measures in line with workplace hazard controls.
- Training workers to work safely in the sun—the provision of information, instruction, training and supervision for workers.
- Risk assessments—periodic assessment of the UV exposure risk to all workers.
- Sun protection policy—documentation of the program, including control measures, in a written policy.
- Monitoring program effectiveness—a process to determine the effectiveness of control measures and identify changes that may further reduce exposure.
SunSmart resources for your workplace
Skin Cancer & Outdoor Work
Download the guide to skin cancer and outdoor work.
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Download our brochure on protecting your skin at work.
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Workplace sun protection policy
Download the sample sun protection policy.
Download now
UV safety training
Book a tailored UV safety training for your workplace.
Book now
Posters & brochures
Download workplace posters and brochures to promote sun safety.
See resources
UV safety training for workers
Employers have a responsibility to protect their workers from risk, including exposure to UV radiation. SunSmart supports all Victorian workplaces to know their UV risk and how they can reduce the impact to keep workers safe and save lives.
SunSmart has a range of online and in-person UV safety training programs and education that can be tailored to your workplace, whether your workforce is indoors, outdoors or a mix of both, as well as for health and safety professionals.
SunSmart UV safety training
Protecting outdoor workers from UV
People who work outdoors are exposed to UV all year round and should use five forms of sun protection every day.
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Social media content
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Post 1
UV radiation is a major workplace hazard. Each year in Australia, around 200 melanomas and 34,000 non-melanoma skin cancers are caused by occupational exposure to UV.
Melanoma is considered the deadliest form of skin cancer as it can spread from your skin to vital organs.
Post 2
In Victoria, outdoor workers receive up to 10 times more UV exposure than indoor workers. Repeated exposure to the sun’s UV radiation increases the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma.
Reduce your UV exposure and your skin cancer risk by using all five forms of sun protection.
#SunSmart #SlipSlopSlapSeekSlide
Post 3
UV can’t be seen of felt and isn’t related to temperature. People who work outdoors are exposed to UV all year round and should use five forms of sun protection every day.
#SunSmart #SlipSlopSlapSeekSlide
Post 4
Did you know that when working outdoors, you're not just at risk of sun damage when it's hot? You're at risk throughout every season of the year. Even on cool and cloudy days, it's important to:
SLIP on a long-sleeved shirt
SLOP on SPF50 or 50+ sunscreen
SEEK shade whenever possible
Protect your skin: sunsmart.com.au
SunSmart #SlipSlopSlapSeekSlide
Post 5
Often called our national cancer, Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world – and we’re exposed to some of the harshest and most dangerous levels of UV radiation.
UV can cause damage in just 15 minutes, increasing your risk of skin cancer. More than 95% of skin cancers are caused by exposure to UV radiation.
Skin cancer can be prevented by using all five forms of sun protection. This National Skin Cancer Action week, let’s do more to promote sun protection – protect your skin: sunsmart.com.au
#SunSmart #SlipSlopSlapSeekSlide
Post 6
At any time, potential skin cancer signs can become visible in the form of new spots, change in colour or shape of spots.
That’s why it’s important to get to know your skin and check it regularly. If you notice any changes, visit your GP as soon as possible. Get to know your skin: sunsmart.com.au
#SunSmart #EarlyDetectionSavesLives
Exposure to UV radiation is the cause of 95-99% of skin cancers. Learn how to reduce your UV radiation exposure and your skin cancer risk with SunSmart.
Join your colleagues and SunSmart for a one-hour session that covers how UV affects your health, how to protect against UV, and how to check for skin cancer.
Sign up now [internal staff link]
Newsletter content for network
Exposure to UV radiation is the cause of 95-99% of skin cancers – it’s a major risk for anyone who works outdoors.
Skin cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer. Reduce your skin cancer risk:
Your workplace must protect you from risks like UV radiation, but it's also your responsibility to follow UV safety policies and use the sun protection provided.
Early detection saves lives
Repeated exposure to the sun's UV in people’s daily lives increases the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma.
Melanoma is considered the deadliest form of skin cancer as it can spread from your skin to vital organs, including your lungs, liver and brain.
At any time, potential skin cancer signs can become visible in the form of new spots, change in colour or shape of spots.
That’s why it’s important to get to know your skin and check it regularly. If you notice any changes, visit your GP as soon as possible.