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
We are excited that the program has been released for the 2026 HSR Conference! The event is held across the state, with the Melbourne presentations being live streamed to four regional centres. This includes Bendigo, Morwell, Wangaratta and Ballarat. BeSafe is super excited to be hosting the Ballarat event! The conference is on Tuesday 27 th October and will kick off at 8.30am and run through to 2.45pm. It’s completely free and catered for, but you must register to attend at: VTHC HSR Conference 2026 Don’t forget that HSR’s have an entitlement to attend this course, as it is WorkSafe Victoria approved under Section 69. Numbers are limited, so register as soon as possible so you don’t miss out! Here is what to expect on the day: The Conference topic “Extreme Weather, Extreme Risk: The Future of Occupational Health and Safety”: How extreme weather is changing workplace health and safety, the new risks workers face, and how HSRs can use their rights and powers to prevent harm. The Program 7.45- 8.30am Arrive and register 8.30 – 10am SESSION 1 Opening speakers: VTHC Secretary Luke Hilakari, WorkSafe Minister Steve Dimopoulos MP and WorkSafe CEO Cathy Henderson Presentation: Extreme Heat: combined presentation between HSRs and Dr Andrew Ireland 10:00am - 10:30am Morning tea 10:30am - 11:15am SESSION 2 Presentation: Climate-driven natural disasters: combined presentation between HSRs and Dr Andrew Watkins Q&A 11:25am - 12:15pm BREAKOUT SESSION 1: Debrief and reflections 12:15pm – 1:15pm Lunch 1:15pm – 2:45pm BREAKOUT SESSION 2: Myth busters, problem solving and campaigns activities 2:45pm Conference evaluation and certificate collection For more information, take a look at: H&S Month 2026: Victorian HSR Conference | WorkSafe Victoria HSR conference 2026 - OHS Reps
When we think of workplace safety, we usually picture high-vis vests and machinery guards. But, we can’t forget that employers have the exact same legal obligation to protect workers from psychological harm as they do from physical injuries. For small-to-medium businesses, managing "psychosocial hazards" can feel overwhelming, especially because these risks may seem “invisible”. Things like chronic stress, bullying, or burnout can also seem more tricky to control than your slips, trips and falls. Here is a quick guide to understanding your duties and protecting your team. What is a Psychosocial Hazard? A psychosocial hazard is anything in the design or management of work that increases the risk of psychological harm. Common examples include: Unrealistic workloads, constant tight deadlines, or a lack of role clarity. Bullying, harassment, or a lack of support from supervisors. High-stress customer interactions or dealing with traumatic situations. Left unmanaged, psychosocial hazards lead to high staff turnover, absenteeism, and long-term psychological injury claims. Meeting Your Legal Duties: The 4-Step Process Victorian Safety Legislation require employers to eliminate or reduce psychosocial risks so far as is reasonably practicable usi ng a four-step Risk Management process: Identify Hazards: Look for warning signs like spikes in sick leave. Cruciall y, consult with your staff and Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) t o find out where the stress points are. Assess Risks: Evaluate how likely these are to cause harm, as well as how severe and frequent these stressors are. Control Risks: Fix the job, not the person. You must change your systems of work to reduce the risk. For example by changing workflows, clarifying job descriptions, balancing workloads, and build a culture where staff can safely speak up. Review Controls: Regularly check back with your team and HSRs to ensure your changes are working. There are WorkSafe Victoria developed tools to help you with each step of the process and we can teach you how to use them... How BeSafe Victoria Can Help We understand that it can be hard to know where to start. You don't have to figure this out alone. At BeSafe Victoria , we specialise in providing the knowledge and skills to manage safety challenges. We run courses for HSRs, but we often have employers and managers attend so that they can understand how to apply the risk management process to psychosocial hazards. We will introduce you to a step-by-step process and provide the resources you need to make sure your workplace is safe. Contact BeSafe Victoria to find out more: HSR Training and support | BeSafe | Regional Victoria