Working safely in the sun

Workers who spend all, or part, of their day outdoors are at increased risk of sunburn, eye damage and skin cancer due to their exposure to UV radiation from the sun. 

Australia's Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) legislation recommends employers take action to reduce the amount of UV radiation their employees are exposed to. 

Cancer Council WA can assist your workplace to provide employees with SunSmart work environments, particularly if they are outdoor workers.

Outdoor worker resources

Cancer Council WA, with support from the WA Department of Health and WorkSafe WA, has developed a series of SunSmart resources for outdoor workers.

These include: an information brochure and poster for employees; and a detailed guide for employers regarding sun protection and early detection of skin cancer (including a sample sun protection policy).

Workplace education sessions for outdoor workers are also offered to supplement the printed resources. View our range of publications, resources and education sessions available for workplaces.

Workplace SunSmart policy development

Cancer Council WA can assist workplaces to review their existing sun protection policy or develop a new policy.

A workplace sun protection policy is just as important for office workers who participate in lunch time walking groups, team sports or corporate athletic events held on weekends, as it is for outdoor workers. The policy should cover any outdoor activities held by the organisation during the day. For more information view our sample workplace sun protection policy.

Shade development

The Shade Handbook (cost $39.95 including GST) provides workplaces with useful information on how to build worksite shade structures and/or provide portable shade for outdoor workers.

This detailed 40-page resource includes a CD with worksheets to help develop shade for a range of environments. To order a copy contact our Resource Officer on 9388 4333 or download the Shade handbook order form.

Skin cancer awareness for all workers

Indoor workers who spend long periods of time outdoors on weekends and when on holidays are also at risk of skin cancer if they do not protect themselves from the sun. Cancer Council WA provides resources and education on skin cancer awareness and sun protection for everyone in your workplace.

To order workplace resources, contact our Resource Officer on (08) 9388 4333 or visit our publications page.

National Hazard Exposure Worker Surveillance: Report on exposure to direct sunlight and the provision of sun exposure controls in Australian workplaces by Safe Work Australia and Cancer Council Victoria.

This report published January 2010, is based on a major national survey conducted in 2008 on workers exposure to occupational hazards. Safe Work Australia with assistance from Cancer Council Victoria released this report to focus on the results collected from the overall NHEWS survey about Australian workers exposure levels to direct sunlight (UV Radiation), a workplace hazard, and sun protection measures used to reduce outdoor workers exposure to UV. Sunlight is the main cause for skin cancer and Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world.

Download a copy of this report (pdf 342kb)