Workplaces - Sun Safety
Outdoor work and sun safety
People working outdoors are at an increased risk of skin cancer because they are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, often during peak UV radiation hours. It is estimated that the economic burden of skin cancer in Canada in 2011 was $344 billion dollars. Occupational Health & Safety regulations in Ontario provide a maximum exposure limit to UV radiation indoors. Outdoor exposure often exceeds these levels during the spring and summer months. It is important to protect the skin of people working outdoors.
Sun safety for employers
The Ministry of Labour recommends a number of actions to organize a UV radiation protection program including:
- list UV sources in your workplace and consider their hazard potential,
- look at work and identify jobs that may result in UV radiation exposure,
- have a UV radiation survey carried out by a qualified person,
- determine exposure levels, allowable exposure times, safe viewing distances and the need for personal protective equipment,
- put in place adequate UV control measures, and
- update your workplace UV-safety program as new sources are introduced.
The Ministry of Labour recommends consideration of engineering and administrative controls and personal protection for employers with outdoor workers.
Engineering controls could include the use of shade while working outdoors (e.g. constructing your own portable shade or utilizing shade that is provided by buildings or other equipment on site). Administrative controls which require minimization of exposure by limiting exposure and using appropriate warning signs could including scheduling work hours outside of peak UV hours or rotation of work from shaded/indoor spaces to outdoor.
Workers exposed to UV radiation in excess of the above guidelines should use the following personal protective equipment:
- UV-blocking safety eyewear (goggles, spectacles, face shields, welding shields, etc.) with side-shields where applicable,
- long-sleeved, closely-woven clothing that covers as much of the body as practicable,
- a wide brim hat or an attached back flap and visor to a construction helmet, and
- water-resistant sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher and effective against UV-A and UV-B on all exposed skin.
Workplace planning outdoor events
Many workplaces host spring or summer events which can result in occasional exposure to UV radiation (e.g., staff BBQ). Call KFL&A Public Health to get the Sun Safety Event Checklist to plan for shade and protection of your employees.
Resources:
- Sun Safety at Work: Employers (video) - WorkSafe BC
- Sun Safety at Work Canada
- UV Radiation - Ontario Ministry of Labour
- Sun Protection Safety Talk (PDF) - Infrastructure Health and Safety Association