Approximately 60% of the day’s UV radiation reaches earth during the middle of the day when the sun is directly overhead (between 10am and 2pm local standard time). This is typically a time when indoor workers head outside to get some lunch or take a lunch break.
Indoor workers can often have high incidental and recreational sun exposure such as during the day, on weekends and during holidays/annual leave.
It’s important for indoor workers to understand the risks associated with UV exposure whenever they’re outdoors (for work or leisure purposes) and appropriate sun protection measures.
Cumulative UV exposure and the number of sunburns adds to a person’s skin cancer risk.
Sun protection tips
- Download the free SunSmart Global UV app to check when you need to use sun protection for your location each day.
- When heading outside for a break, choose shady spots whenever you can. If attending/working at outdoor events, make sure shade is available. UV is highly reflective so even in the shade, continue to use other sun protection measures.
- Wear a broad-brim hat that shades your face, neck and ears. Choose a style that sits lightly on your head and allows air flow.
- Wear cool, loose-fitting clothing that covers as much skin as possible. Grab a light wrap or layer up with shirts when going outdoors. Make sure your work uniform is sun protective.
- Apply SPF50+ broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen before you go outside to any parts of skin not covered with clothing. Sunscreen will last about two hours so if going outdoors frequently remember to reapply.
- Keep sunscreen in your desk drawer or recommend your workplace has a pump pack available in the staff bathrooms. Check the expiry date. You can apply sunscreen over your foundation. If your foundation has sunscreen in it, it may not provide enough protection (usually only SPF15) and would still need reapplication.
- Wear wrap-around sunglasses (make sure they are labelled AS/NZS 1067 or with an EPF of 9 or 10).
Book a SunSmart education session for your workplace
Skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. Do your workers know how to protect themselves from UV and lower their risk of skin cancer? SunSmart’s trained educators deliver educations sessions that highlight the harms associated with UV exposure and ways to reduce risk.
Book an education session
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