Controlling the risk of Sun Exposure
admin • December 15, 2025
Sun exposure is one of the most underestimated workplace hazards, especially for outdoor workers. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause serious health risks, but with the right protections, employers and employees can reduce these dangers.
Why Sun Exposure is a Workplace Hazard
- UV radiation risk: Outdoor workers are exposed to UV radiation for long periods, which can lead to skin damage, sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancers.
- Eye health: UV rays can also damage the eyes, increasing the risk of cataracts and other vision problems.
- Heat stress: Extended time in the sun raises the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke, which can impair concentration and increase accident risks.
- Cumulative exposure: Unlike a one-time hazard, UV damage builds up over years, making outdoor workers particularly vulnerable.
Employer Responsibilities
The legislation prescribes that employers must provide a safe workplace that is without risks to health and safety. As such, employers must take steps to eliminate or reduce UV exposure risks so far as is reasonably practicable. This includes:
- Risk assessment: Identifying tasks and times of day when UV exposure is highest.
- Protective measures: Providing shade structures, scheduling work outside peak UV hours (10 am–3 pm), and rotating tasks to limit exposure.
- Education: Training workers on the dangers of UV radiation and how to protect themselves.
- Policy implementation: Establishing sun protection policies as part of workplace health and safety systems.
- Monitoring conditions: Being aware of UV index levels and reporting unsafe conditions.
- Consulting with employees: in relation to the hazard of sun exposure.
Worker Responsibilities
Under the OHS Act, employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their own, and others, health and safety and to co-operate with measures taken by their employer to ensure health and safety. Employees can play a role in protecting themselves by, for example:
- Wearing protective clothing: Long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses with UV protection.
- Applying sunscreen: Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen should be applied regularly throughout the day.
- Hydration: Drinking water frequently to prevent heat stress.
- Monitoring and reporting: Being aware of UV index levels and reporting unsafe conditions.
Building a Sun-Safe Workplace Culture
Creating a workplace culture that prioritizes sun safety is essential. This means:
- Normalising sunscreen use and reapplication breaks.
- Encouraging workers to look out for each other’s wellbeing.
- Making protective gear accessible and mandatory.
- Recognising that sun protection is not just a personal choice but a workplace safety requirement.
Key Takeaways
- Sun exposure is a serious occupational hazard for outdoor workers.
- Employers must provide protections such as shade, scheduling, and training.
- Workers must take proactive steps like wearing protective clothing and using sunscreen.
- A strong workplace culture around sun safety reduces risks and promotes long-term health.
Sunlight is vital for life, but in the workplace, it must be managed like any other hazard. Hazard identification and risk control is a legal requirement under the OHS Act. By treating UV exposure with the same seriousness as machinery or chemicals, employers and workers can ensure safer, healthier outdoor environments.
For more guidance in relation to this: Sun protection for outdoor workers | WorkSafe Victoria
Today is the anniversary of the banning of Engineered Stone. On the 1 st July 2024, Engineered Stone was banned due to the high levels of silica it contained, which presented a health and safety risk to those working with it. The banning of engineered stone is a huge win for the safety and health of workers, but it does not mean that workers are safe from silica related disease. Workers can still be exposed to silica from other sources, including: Stone Asphalt Cement, mortar and grout Concrete, concrete blocks and cement products Bricks and pavers Tiles Sand These and related products still present a risk and this comes in the form of respirable crystalline silica. Small particles of silica can be produced when dust is produces through cutting, sanding or processing the materials. This can occur during manufacturing and construction, when mining or digging, and when handling waste. The silica dust can be breathed deep into the lungs and can cause serious disease., including silicosis, fibrosis, COPD, bronchitis and lung cancer. In addition, it can cause other systemic diseases including serious effects on the kidneys, immune system, eyes, etc. Employers must control the risk of exposure and workers should be aware of the risks so that they can make sure that they are safe. BeSafe is still horrified to occasionally see dry cutting by workers who may not be aware of the serious risks of this practice. Just remember, that just because engineered stone has been banned, it doesn’t mean you are safe from silica related disease. Make sure you know how to protect yourself and stay safe from this serious and deadly hazard. More information: For the general information page with resources relating to crystalline silica, take a look at: Crystalline silica | WorkSafe Victoria For information relating to how employers must identify hazards, assess risk, control the risk and review and revise controls regularly, take a look at: Preparing a crystalline silica hazard control statement for high-risk crystalline silica work | WorkSafe Victoria For a practical guide on how to safely work with engineered stone, including exemptions, take a look at Compliance code: Engineered stone | WorkSafe Victoria
Welding fumes are hazardous, and employers must control the risk of harm. Various types of welding are used in the workplace, with varying levels of welding fume production. The amount and type of fumes produced during welding will vary based on various factors including: the metals being welded, the welding process used, the composition of the welding rod/wire, the shielding gases used and any contaminants or coating on the metal, etc. There are a number of health effects which may occur due to exposure to welding fumes. These include both short-term and long-term affects Short term: eye irritation, respiratory irritation, metal fume fever (zinc oxide). Long term: siderosis (iron accumulation in the body), lung and kidney cancer, nervous system disorders, asthma, pneumonia. The likelihood of developing damaging health effects from welding will depend on the type of welding being used (and therefore the type of fumes produced), the duration and frequency of exposure, the worker’s proximity to the fumes, the ventilation of the welding area, and any controls which were utilised during the exposure. Welding fumes are a hazardous substance and must be controlled according to the hierarchy of controls. Controls may include: Eliminating the need for welding if possible, for example by using different fastening methods or prefabricated components. Substituting the welding method, for example by using a method which generates less fumes, or using automation methods. Engineering controls including mechanical ventilation such as on-torch extraction or local exhaust ventilation. PPE should be provided by the workplace and includes the use of air fed ventilators. The use of respirators such as Powered Air Purifying Respirators can be used but only in addition to a higher-order control, or if higher-order controls are not possible. Other types of respirators are available but less effective. Several different controls may need to be used and as with any controls, training must be provided on their implementation. Atmospheric monitoring may also be required to monitor exposure levels in the workplace and health monitoring must also be carried out in accordance with the OHS Regulations 2017 Part 4.1 - Hazardous Substances. Consultation with the workforce, including any elected health and safety representatives, must take place in accordance with requirements under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004. For more information on welding fumes, take a look at the following links: https://youtu.be/0tvrOw18Vr0?si=oK_v3vkbGebCzuMf Controlling exposure to welding fumes | WorkSafe Victoria Compliance code: Hazardous substances | WorkSafe Victoria - Welding fumes | Safe Work Australia