Outdoor work

Two out of three Australians will require treatment for some form of skin cancer during their lifetime - and if you work outdoors, you're at greater risk.

You need to take care in the sun all year round - not just in the summer months.

The more exposure to the sun you have, the greater the damage - but there are a few simple steps that will help reduce the risk:

1. Examine the possibility of some outdoor jobs being done inside or in a shady location.

2. Reschedule some outdoor work to be done earlier or later in the day when the UV is less intense.

3. Provide personal protection - appropriate clothing, hats, sunscreen and sunglasses.

4. Provide people who work in the sun with the appropriate training and education - so they understand the dangers.

Employers have specific responsibilities to provide safe work systems - this extends to the issue of exposure to the sun.

Download the documents on this page for details on speaker presentations, and a sample SunSmart policy.