Outdoor workers are exposed to 5 to 10 times more ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun than indoor workers, placing them at greater risk of developing skin cancer.
UV exposure damages our skin’s DNA and is classified as a grade 1 carcinogen. It is the leading cause of skin cancer, including melanoma, which can be deadly.
The good news is that almost all skin cancers are preventable.
Despite this, many workers remain unprotected. Research shows that 90% of outdoor workers do not use all recommended forms of sun protection, and one in four NSW workplaces provides no sun protection at all.
Employer Responsibilities
According to the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act 2011, workplaces must provide a safe working environment for employees, which includes protection from UV related harm. Employers and employees can be prosecuted if they don’t comply.
Not protecting workers also comes at a financial cost. Across Australia, work-related skin cancer cost more than $63 million in workers’ compensation claims between 2008-09 and 2021-22.
Building a SunSmart Workplace
Creating a sun safe workplace doesn’t have to be complicated.
An effective sun protection program should include:
Leadership: Support sun safety from the top down.
Policy: Maintain a clear workplace sun protection policy.
Protection Measures: Implement risk controls such as scheduling, shade, and appropriate PPE.
Training and Resources: Educate staff on UV risks and prevention.
Ongoing Commitment: Monitor and review for continuous improvement.
By taking these steps, workplaces can meet their legal obligations while helping to reduce the risk of skin cancer among their staff.
SunSmart Workplaces Toolkit
The SunSmart Workplaces Toolkit provides practical tools and resources to help organisations develop, implement and strengthen workplace sun protection programs.
The Toolkit includes:
Real-time workplace assessments
Policy templates
Communication resources
Action planning tools
Practical implementation guidance
Work health and safety guide
The Skin cancer and outdoor work – A work health and safety guide, provides WH&S representatives with information and advice to understand the importance of sun protection policies and practices in the workplace.
Key Resources
Resources
Download our resources to help you implement sun safety in your workplace. You can order printed copies of selected resources for free by completing our order form.
- Sun safety and outdoor workers: Review of the literature on intervention effectiveness
This review explains why outdoor workplaces need better sun protection and shares proven strategies that work. It’s for anyone who wants to understand the risks of UV exposure on the job and learn what really helps reduce them. Health professionals, researchers, policy makers, and workplace safety teams may find it especially useful. - Concise one-page and three-page summaries of the findings are available for managers and decision-makers seeking practical insights and quick reference materials.
- SunSmart Workplaces Toolkit
A one-stop shop toolkit for outdoor workers and workplaces which has real-time assessments, policy templates, a communication kit, and practical tools to implement an effective sun safety plan in outdoor workplaces. - Skin cancer and outdoor work – A work health and safety guide
Our guide provides WH&S representatives and leaders with information and advice to understand the importance of sun safety policies and practice in the workplace. - Champion’s Implementation Guide
A practical step by step guide to support workplaces champions improve their sun safety culture.
Selected skin cancer prevention downloadable and print resources are available to order, free of charge.
- Tax Deductions
If you are required to work outdoors, you may be able to claim tax deductions for sun protection items such as sunscreen, hats and sunglasses. - UV Radiation from welding
Welding can expose workers to several hazards, including contaminants in welding fumes and ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the welding arc. - Heat Stress
Did you know that implementing effective sun protection measures can also help to reduce your workers’ risk of heat stress. To learn more about managing extreme heat, go to SafeWork NSW. - Workplaces and Cancer
To learn more about reducing the risk of non-skin cancers in the workplace, visit the Cancer Council WA Workplaces and Cancer website
Learn from Others
Coming soon.
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