Solar Radiation is the radiant energy emitted by the sun through different kinds of light, some of which we can see or feel, and some that are invisible:
👁️ Visible Spectrum light is the light that we can see
🔴 Infrared Radiation is the light we can feel as heat
🟣 Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation is invisible but can damage deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in skin cells and cause burning (sunburn) and skin cancers.
It’s important for business owners, managers and workers to be aware of solar radiation and to take steps to ensure their teams are protected.
Why is Solar Radiation a Health & Safety at Work issue?
Solar radiation is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization (WHO). It is treated as a definite cause of cancer in humans.
“...The risk of getting skin cancer from sun exposure is well known and widely understood. It is publicised in the media, and we see marketing associated with sunscreens and other sun-protection products generally aimed at consumers in the holiday, sport and leisure markets. In some industry sectors, the risks aren’t acknowledged or managed as well as they could be. More awareness around the topic and the associated risks is required. There have been myths around how sun damage can occur and about risk factors associated with different climates – even misunderstandings around vitamin D deficiency from a lack of UV exposure.
There are cultural challenges in some industries, too. For example, a male-dominated culture can exist in the face of certain risks in some parts of the construction sector across the world.
The reality is that the risks to ordinary holidaymakers, targeted by sun product advertising campaigns, aren’t comparable to the risks faced by millions of outdoor workers. For significant periods of the year, outdoor workers are typically exposed to solar radiation for hours at a time, day in, day out. They may have long-term, chronic solar radiation exposure to particular body parts such as head, neck, arms and hands (legs and torso may be exposed intermittently, too).” – iosh.com
What can employers do to support their outdoor workers?
☀️ Check the ultraviolet (UV) index from the weather forecast and communicate information to relevant workers. Prompt staff to use protective measures to minimise exposure. Action should be taken when the index is at level three or above.
☀️ 60% of daily UV occurs between 10am and 2pm, so avoid or minimise exposure to direct sunlight in the middle of the day. Try to minimise exposure until at least 3pm if possible.
☀️ Regularly swap job tasks between workers so that everyone on the team can spend some time in the shade.
☀️ Use heavy duty cover or shade when working outdoors in the sun – shade can cut UV exposure by 50% or more.
☀️ Provide rest breaks in shaded areas or indoors. Positioning water points in shaded areas or indoors can help encourage workers to take breaks out of the sun.
>> For more tips visit: iosh.com
We provide consultancy services to ensure you are covering all the areas of your particular business which carry risk. Our advice is bespoke and tailored to the industry you are in, and we have years of experience. Reach out to us for a chat – let’s make your workplace safer together.
abarrett@whatnosafety.co.uk | 01722 326 390 | www.whatnosafety.co.uk