The days are getting longer and the sun is getting stronger. Now is the time to ensure that you and your workplace are prepared for a long hot summer.

Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world - more than 380,000 people are treated for the disease every year.

The Cancer Council recommends that all workplaces adopt an ultraviolet (UV) radiation protection program. The program should include a comprehensive policy and strategy for the early detection and prevention of skin cancer in the workplace.

Construction workers have a higher risk of skin cancer than many other workers due to the long periods they are exposed to UV radiation from direct sunlight and to UV rays that reflect surfaces such as concrete.

Working together to beat the heat

The Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000 requires employers to ensure the health and safety of all their workers, and that includes any worker who may be placed at risk when working outdoors.

Health and safety at work is everyone's concern. Together, workers and employers can use simple strategies and safety equipment to protect themselves when working in the sun.

The risks of skin cancer and heat-related stress and illness can be minimised by using a combination of practical solutions. That's why this summer, WorkCover Business Advisory Officers and Workplace Inspectors will be out and about visiting civil project and construction sites providing a range of free advice and resources to help you beat the heat this summer.

New guides on sun safety in the workplace

The Cancer Council NSW has just released two new publications about sun safety in the workplace. The guides - for both employers and employees - provide information and advice to help you undertstand and confidently address sun protection in the workplace. To be directed to SunSmart Workplaces section of The Cancer Council NSW website for more information and to order the publications see 'further information' below.

Further Information

  Frequently Asked Questions: Sun Safety
Publication No. 5322 (PDF format - 27k)

  Visit Herald Sun news article.  Building industry warned to be sun smart or face claims.

  Also visit the Cancer Institute of NSW for more information and facts of skin cancer.

  For your copy of the guide, the brochure and other SunSmart resources visit the Cancer Council.

  View the current UV index for today by visiting the Bureau of Meteorology.

Reproduced with the permission of The Bureau of Meteorology.