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
At BeSafe Victoria, we love seeing how much our Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) get out of returning for Refresher Training. There is no doubt in our minds that HSR Refresher Training is really valuable, and we absolutely love seeing old and new participants come in to share their experiences too. There have been significant changes to legislation and OHS requirements and most recently the introduction of the Psychological Health Regulations. We now deliver the brand new WorkSafe Approved Refresher Course focusing on Psychosocial Hazards and have seen how beneficial this new course is to HSRs, who take their new-found knowledge back to their workplaces. HSRs play a vital role in protecting the wellbeing of their colleagues. They are the bridge between workers and management, ensuring that safety concerns are heard, understood, and acted upon. While completing the Initial HSR Training is a great start, refresher training is just as important and in fact, it’s an entitlement under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 for all HSRs and deputy HSRs. 1. Keeping Knowledge Current Workplace safety laws, industry standards, and best practices evolve over time. Annual refresher training ensures HSRs stay up to date with: Changes to OHS legislation in Victoria New hazard control methods and technologies Updated WorkSafe guidance and compliance expectations This means HSRs can confidently apply the most current safety strategies in their workplace. 2. Strengthening Confidence and Skills Even the most experienced HSR can benefit from revisiting core principles. Refresher courses: Reinforce understanding of the role of HSRs Provide practical tools for effective consultation and issue resolution Build confidence in raising and addressing safety concerns 3. Creating Space for Real-World Problem Solving Refresher training offers a collaborative environment where HSRs can: Share experiences and challenges with peers from other workplaces Learn from real-life case studies Explore solutions to complex safety issues This peer-to-peer learning often sparks new ideas that can be applied immediately back on the job. 4. Strengthening Workplace Safety Culture When HSRs are well-trained and confident, they inspire others to take safety seriously. Regular refreshers: Demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement Encourage open conversations about hazards Help embed safety as a shared responsibility across the workplace Your Right to Attend In Victoria, HSRs are entitled to attend a one-day refresher training each year, and employers must allow this. Choosing a WorkSafe-approved provider ensures the training meets standards and delivers practical, relevant content. Employers who encourage attendance know that HSR refresher training isn’t just a box to tick, it’s an investment in safer, healthier workplaces. By keeping skills sharp and knowledge current, HSRs can continue to be strong advocates for their colleagues and champions of workplace safety. They can play a key role in helping the employer to ensure the workplace is safe and to be compliant with consultation obligations under the OHS Act. At BeSafe, we can deliver training throughout Victoria. We have listed courses on our website, but these are only the tip of the iceberg! We can book in courses on demand in any location and we can even come and deliver a course on-site at your workplace. Don't forget we also offer free support after your course too! Get in touch with us: 0407002060 info@besafevictoria.com.au
On 28 April 2026 , BeSafe joined those gathered at Argyle Square, Carlton , to mark International Workers’ Memorial Day (IWMD) in Melbourne. The ceremony honoured those who have lost their lives due to workplace injury or illness and renewed a shared commitment to safer, healthier workplaces. The service began with speeches made by The Secretary of Victorian Trades Hall Council (VTHC) Luke Hilikari, Premier Jacinta Allen, WorkSafe CEO Cathy Henderson and Lived Experience Advocate Lana Cormie. Assistant Secretary of VTHC Wil Stracke was the MC for the occasion and the Trade Union Choir sang throughout. The most moving part of the service was, as always, the boot laying ceremony. This year, 60 pairs of boots were laid to represent the workers lost in the past 12 months. Finally, a rose was laid to represent those who are not counted - in recognition that the numbers are vastly underestimated and many workplace deaths are not recorded in the official statistics. The vision of 60 pairs of boots sitting upon stools in the park is profoundly tragic and deeply moving. A minutes silence marked the moment. This was followed by attendees laying wreaths to honour the fallen workers. The speeches included messages of regret and sorrow, but also a call to action – as we can only truly honour the dead if we take action to ensure the safety of the workers of the future. “ Honour the dead, and fight like hell for the living .” At BeSafe, we are passionate about workers’ safety and we will continue to do anything we can to improve the safety of all Victorian workplaces. For more on this: Strong union message at workers’ memorial — Independent Education Union Victoria Tasmania STRONG MESSAGE TO COMMEMORATE FALLEN WORKERS ON IWMD - OHS Reps