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How to Keep Your Outdoor Workers Safe.

The 6 Strategies Every OHS Professional Needs to Know. Produced by: Spotscreen Pty Ltd Suite 3, 39 King George St Innaloo WA 6018 Perth: (08) 9467 0914 Sydney: (02) 8004 3461 [email protected] www.spotscreen.net.au ABN: 18 144 922 190 © Spotscreen Pty Ltd 2013 Spotscreen Pty Ltd have been careful to provide accurate information throughout this book, but it is possible that errors and omissions may be present. Please consider this before making any plans or other important decisions regarding the health and safety of your employees.

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When developing policies and safety procedures for outdoor workers, there are many factors that occupational health and safety professional must take into consideration. Although not all factors will apply to their specific business, there is one factor that will almost always apply to every business with outdoor workers in Australia. This being exposure to cancer causing solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR).

It is a remarkable fact that 2 in 3 Australian’s will develop skin cancer before the age of 70 (1). Unfortunately, Australia has among the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, costing the health system over $500 million each year (6).

How does this affect your business?

Outdoor workers receive between 5-10 times more exposure to ultraviolet radiation than those working indoors (3). With work safety legislation putting a greater focus on this topic in recent years, businesses can no longer afford to take minimal action in this area. This is unmistakably highlighted in workers’ compensation reports from 2000-2009 which show a substantial increase in claims awarded. Some of these shocking figures will be touched on shortly.

Most importantly, it is the lives of their employees which occupational health & safety professionals have been entrusted with. Ensuring employees are able to return home unharmed and taking constant steps towards improving their organisation’s safety culture is key to the success of any OHS department.

The 6 OHS strategies discussed throughout the following pages provide important information into how to keep your outdoor workers safe and prevent life threatening injuries as a result of exposure to ultraviolet radiation in the workplace.

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INTRODUCTION

www.spotscreen.net.au

How Occupational UVR Exposure is Burning Australian Businesses………........... 5

Types of Common Injuries to Outdoor Workers……....................................…........ 6

Workers’ Compensation Claims……..............................................................…...... 7

Case Studies………................................................................................................. 9

According to BT Lawyers…………........................................................................... 9

The Role of OHS Professionals………................................................................... 10

Strategy 1: UVR Hazard Risk Assessment….................................................……. 11

Strategy 2: Sun Protection Control Measures…............................................……. 12

Types of Sun Protection Control Measures……................................................…. 13

Strategy 3: Sun Safety Training……..................................................................…. 14

Strategy 4: Sun Protection Policy……...............................................................…. 15

Strategy 5: Monitor the Program……................................................................…. 15

Strategy 6: Skin Cancer Screening…............................................................……. 16

Skin Cancer Screening Practitioners……...............................................................17

Check the Provider Uses Advanced Screening Technology…...........................… 18

Time is Critical & You Hold the Key……............................................................…. 19

A Word from Spotscreen……............................................................................…. 20

Testimonials……................................................................................................…. 21

References……….................................................................................................. 22

Sun Protection Policy Template.............................................................................. 23

CONTENTS

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Occupational ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure is a significant risk to any business that has employees exposed to the sun while performing work responsibilities. It is estimated that 34% of all Australian workers fall into this category (4).

When picturing an ‘outdoor worker’ the first thought that comes to mind is usually that of a construction worker, road side worker, council worker or mining worker. However the classification of outdoor work reaches far more broadly. Other examples include delivery drivers, machinery operators, sport staff, property managers, teachers, police officers & events staff.

Below is a graph (8) outlining the level of sun exposure by industry in Australia, following a survey of 4,500 workers.

How Occupational UVR Exposure is Burning Australian Businesses

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Sun Exposure by Industry

[XXX] = Number of respondents surveyed


Common workplace injuries such as slips & trips can happen to anyone whether they work indoors or outdoors. But there are a number of more specific injuries which are common to outdoor workers given their exposure to the environmental elements.

Environmental elements are responsible for a large portion of outdoor injuries including;

- Dehydration

- Heat exhaustion

- Heat stroke

- Hyperthermia

- Sunburn

- Skin cancer

Due to the often high temperatures in Australia throughout the year, injuries related to heat and UVR exposure are very common. It is in the prevention of these types of injuries which OHS professionals are required to focus on to ensure the risk of injury to employees is minimised.

Of these common injuries to outdoor workers there is one in particular, skin cancer, which more recently has become of greater concern to businesses with outdoor workers. This is due to the growing number of compensation claims and clear government emphasis on protecting outdoor workers from this injury.

Types of Common Injuries to Outdoor Workers

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Over skin cancers are caused by occupational UVR expsoure every year.


Due to exposure levels of 5-10 times more UVR than indoor workers, outdoor workers are at an ‘above average’ risk of developing skin cancer (5). This is why it is absolutely critical that businesses have an appropriate strategy to prevent unprotected and over-exposure to UVR in the workplace.

There has been a significant government crack-down on businesses that have been found to be neglecting or not enforcing this area of their health & safety policies. The result has been a swift increase in successful workers’ compensation claims awarded.

In 2011 the Cancer Council Western Australia released a document providing a summary of the workers’ compensation claims relating to occupational UVR exposure during 2000-2009. It’s fair to say that the following data speaks for itself.

The following Workers’ Compensation Claims information was drawn from the document; Occupational exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation: Workers’ compensation claims paid in Australia 2000-2009, Cancer Council Western Australia, 2011

Years of sun exposure while driving has left this US truck driver with permanent sun damage to the left side (driving side) of his face.

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Number of claims for sun related injury/disease (inc. cancers) in Australia

Workers’ Compensation Claims

Workers’ Compensation Claims Continued...

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Cost of claims ($ millions) for sun related injury/disease & cancers in Australia

Typical payment for workers’ compensation claims made for sun related injury/disease


In 2010 a record 6 figure payout was awarded to the family of a 43 year old Queensland man, a plasterer and carpenter, who passed away as a result of his melanoma. Occupational UVR exposure was found to have significantly contributed to the skin cancer.

In 2006 a worker was awarded $65,000 for sun related injuries sustained as a result of time spent unprotected in the sun during employment. The employee suffered permanent impairment, pain, suffering and costs after his face and body were left permanently scarred by surgery to treat the sun damage.

Section 32(1) of the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 states that if a worker sustains an “injury” where work is a significant contributing factor, then the statutory claim is one for acceptance.

Work only has to amount to a significant contributing factor of the injury, even if it was not the main contributing factor.

Additionally, the threshold of satisfying whether work is a significant factor, is relatively low.

Case Studies

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According to BT Lawyers who specialise in Worker’s Compensation claims…


Preventing injuries to outdoor workers requires more than just providing the necessary Personal Protective Equipment. Although this is a very important component, there is much more involved in ensuring employees remain safe from injuries related to outdoor work.

There are a number of strategies you can implement to reduce risk of injury to your employees and potential liability to your business. They all form part of a workplace Sun Protection Policy.

The Following 6 OHS strategies will assist with the development of a comprehensive Sun Protection Policy for your workplace.

The Role of OHS Professionals

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"It's now blatantly clear that employers who fail to put measures in place to protect their workers from sun exposure will face greater risks of compensation claims....”

"There is now considerable legal precedent recognising claims for skin cancer caused by sun exposure in the workplace and the evidence is that claims will continue to rise." [7]

Terry Slevin, Cancer Council AustraliaChair, Occupational and Environmental Cancer Risk Committee, National Skin Cancer Committee

A UVR hazard risk assessment involves a comprehensive review of the UVR hazards and associated risks where outdoor work is required.

This means identifying things like job tasks, projects, site locations and employees that may be of high risk of UVR exposure.

Strategy 1: UVR Hazard Risk Assessment

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What is it?

Establish which employees are at high risk.- Don’t forget your drivers!

Find systems & projects with highest risk of UVR exposure.- Which tasks are likely to see employees exposed to UVR?

Consider all hazards including direct & reflected UVR.- Reflected UVR is a major hazard (sand reflects up to 25% of UVR)

Also consider geographic working locations, work time of day & year.- Winter can still produce high UVR rates requiring protection

What is the best way to do it?


These are the measures designed to help prevent sun related injuries as a result of the hazards identified in the risk assessment.

Once you have identified all of the UVR hazards from Strategy 1 then it is time to put the sun protection control measures in place.

Strategy 2: Sun Protection Control Measures

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What is it?

Work together with employees to minimise risks.- Find out why some are not wearing sunscreen when they should - e.g. “too greasy”

Introduce protective measures to combat hazards & reduce risk of injury.

Protective measures include engineering controls, administrative controls & PPE.



Types of Sun Protection Control Measures

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ENGINEERING CONTROLS

Providing shade.

Modifying reflective surfaces.

Installing window tinting.

Includes implementing strategies like...

ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLS

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

Rescheduling outdoor work to hours when UVR is lower.

Move jobs indoors where possible.

Provide signage for high UVR environments.

Includes implementing strategies like...

Longs, breathable & comfortable

Protective gloves

Wide brim hats or legionnaire style coversMinimum 30+ sunscreen & lipbalm

Sunglasses to AS/NZS 1067:2003 standard


Sun safety training is all about educating employees on how to work safely in the sun and avoid skin cancer. Not only should it focus on sun safety at work, it should also cover sun safety out of work so employees are able to change their sun protection habits for long-term protection.

A change in both ‘at work’ and ‘at home’ habits are required for a successful workplace sun safe culture.

Strategy 3: Sun Safety Training

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What is it?

Harmful effects of UVR exposure.

Risk factors for skin cancer.

Correct use of sun protection measures.

How to check for skin cancer.

What to do if concerned about a spot.

What is the best way to do it?Training should cover...


A Sun Protection Policy is a workplace document which identifies and outlines how the organisation and employees are to manage the UVR risks.

All workplaces that have employees or contractors performing duties outdoors should have one of these as a part of their safety policies.

To download your free Sun Protection Policy Template, visit;

http://spotscreen.net.au/our-services/sun-safety-at-work/

Strategy 4: Sun Protection Policy

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What is it?

Sun protection programs should be reviewed at least once every 2 years.

Include a review of the current workplace UVR hazards and control measures to ensure they are still relevant and effective.

Ask staff for feedback.


To make sure the sun protection program is working effectively you should set up an internal review process.

This will ensure the ongoing quality of the program and integrity of the sun safety culture in your workplace.

Strategy 5: Monitor the Program

What is it?


Early detection is critical for successful treatment of skin cancer. Onsite workplace skin cancer screening & sun safety education programs can greatly assist in reducing the severity of injuries and increase responsiveness to sun safety training initiatives.

Already 2 in 3 Australians will develop skin cancer before they are 70 (1). As an outdoor worker the odds of being one of these 2 in 3 is far greater. Skin cancer screening programs in the workplace help identify serious injuries early, helping to reduce recovery times and associated costs.

Strategy 6: Skin Cancer Screening

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What is it?

Is highly specialised in the field.

Provides a comprehensive onsite service.

Conducts thorough full-body assessments.

Reviews patient’s skin cancer history.

Provides follow-ups to GP referrals.

Provides a post-screening summary.

What is the best way to do it?Find a skin cancer screening provider that...


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Are certified health professionals.

Have advanced training in skin cancer detection through a reputable industry association.

Are those who perform the screenings (not assistants).

Are personable and have very high attention to detail.

Have experience in your industry.

What is the best way to do it?Also check that the screening practitioners...

Skin Cancer Screening Practitioners


A visual skin inspection is an important part of the screening process, but the eyes can only tell you so much. Combined with the use of advanced SIAscopy technology, screening practitioners are able to view moles & lesions on a sub-surface level (under the skin).

This provides screening practitioners a far greater level of information that would otherwise not be known and therefore can help increase the likelihood of early detection.

Check the Provider Uses Advanced Screening Technology

How SIAscope Technology Works

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Detailed ‘sub-surface’ imaging (up to 2mm under the skin).

Analysing risk of suspicious lesions through ‘MoleMate’ software.

Stores lesion images for future comparison.

Painless & safe scanning.

SIAscopy Skin Cancer Screening

SIAscopy works by emitting light which passes through the different layers of skin. From this information detailed scans of the mole are produced which are displayed digitally through mole analysis software. Detailed screenings also give your employees piece of mind.


David McMillan - OHS Manager, Logistics

“I never really considered how much of an impact my decision to run a skin cancer screening program would have. The Spotscreenprogram was able to identify a number of life threatening cancers onseveral of our employees. Had we have not run the program when wedid a number of these employees might not be around today. Not onlywas this a great outcome for the employees and the business, but it wasso rewarding that I was able to have such a big impact on someone’s life.”

OHS Professionals can play a vital role in saving the life an employee who does not currently knowthey are walking around with a ticking time bomb

Time is Critical & You Hold the Key

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Simply based on statistics alone, if you have a large number of employees in your organisation then a significant percentage of them are likely to be carrying a skin cancer. Some of which could be life threatening if not found early.

Regardless of who is liable or not, a signficant injury or death caused by skin cancer will have very damaging results on your business.

If you take the necessary steps outlined in the 6 OHS Strategies then you will be giving your employees and your business the best chance of a safe & healthy workplace.


Spotscreen are the leaders in onsite skin cancer screening & sun safety education programs in Australia. We are a team of passionate health professionals dedicated to reducing deaths caused by skin cancer.

A Word from Spotscreen

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Who are we?

As the trusted onsite skin cancer screening & sun safety education provider to many of Australia’s largest companies, Spotscreen know exactly what is required to improve the sun safety culture of your organisation.

We help OHS professionals achieve the required outcomes for their workplace safety program.

Our talents

Highly qualified screening practitioners.

Advanced SIAscopy technology.

Sun safety training.

Post-screening reports.

Patient follow-up service.

Online booking system.

Friendly & helpful team.

We’ve got all your needs covered!

Contact Spotscreen today or Click Here for a free quote.

Perth (08) 9467 0914Sydney (02) 8004 [email protected]

Australia WideService

http://spotscreen.net.au/contact-us/

“DMP has been working with Spotscreen for 3 years now and every year we are incredibly pleased with the services they provide. Staff are always very thankful for the opportunity to participate in this yearly screening. It’s an opportunity staff might not otherwise have had to spot something and seek treatment sooner...We are incredibly happy with the services Spotscreen provided and certainly hope to continue to work with Spotscreen in the future. DMP also highly recommend their services to other organisations.”

Testimonials

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Valued Clients Include...

Department of Mines & Petroleum

“G’day to the team at Spotscreen. Just passing on my appreciation of your services on site this week. The screener was very professional, knowledgeable and efficient. All participants are now more aware and informed of the dangers of the Sun and UV rays, and all who attended would like to pass on their thanks for your time and efforts in getting to site and screening the personnel for potential skin damage. Very keen to contract this service again next year. Great stuff, and again, many thanks.”

Boral

“In February 2012 I attended another clinic for a skin cancer check. This showed nothing untoward however when work offered a skin cancer checks 6 months later through Spotscreen I decided to take up the offer and have a second check – thankfully. After a quick but thorough screening, using the SIAscope technology, a lesion was identified that required immediate attention. Within a week I had been to my local doctor to have the lesion removed, which was determined to be a Melanoma.”

Mark Barret, 54


1. SunSmart Victoria, 2012

2. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2000-2001), Health system expenditures on cancer and other neoplasms in Australia, in Health and Welfare Expenditure series. 2005: Canberra.

3. Safe Work Australia (2010) ‘National Hazard Exposure Worker Surveillance Report: Exposure to Direct Sunlight and the Provision of Sun Exposure Controls in Australian Workplaces’

4. Australian Safety and Compensation Council, National Hazard Exposure Worker Surveillance (NHEWS) Survey: 2008 Results. 2008, Commonwealth of Australia: Barton

5. Safe Work Australia (2010) ‘National Hazard Exposure Worker Surveillance Report: Exposure to Direct Sunlight and the Provision of Sun Exposure Controls in Australian Workplaces’

6. Cancer Council Australia, Cancer Council Forum, 2013

7. Skin cancer compensation soars for workers, SMH, published Dec 5 2011; http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/skin-cancer-compensation-soars-for-workers-20111205-1oewa.html

8. Occupational exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation: Workers’ compensation claims paid in Australia 2000-2009, Cancer Council Western Australia, 2011

Images:

Page 5 - Brisbane City Council

Page 7 - New England Journal of Medicine

Page 9 - Bottom: Highways Agency

References

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SUN PROTECTION POLICY TEMPLATE

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There are several important factors to consider while planning appropriate sun protection for your employees. Spotscreen have developed this sample Sun Protection Policy to help your organisation determine the best strategies for your workplace.

This sample policy should be used as a guide only. It should be reviewed and customised to suit the requirements of your employee working conditions. Please note that failure to provide adequate protection for your employees while they are exposed to harmful solar ultraviolet radiation may result in legal liability.

[Company Name] Sun Protection Policy

1. Objective

To reduce the risk and protect employees from ongoing exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (solar UVR) by providing essential support and control measures which are designed to maximise employee sun protection.

[Company Name] is committed to providing a safe working environment for their employees. To avoid risk of personal injury from solar UVR, the guidelines and recommendations outlined in this policy should represent minimum standard practice for all company employees.

2. Important Facts

- Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world.- 2 in 3 Australians will develop skin cancer before age 70.- Sun damage is irreversible and skin cancer is often a result of damage from solar UVR before age 20.- Skin cancer represents 80% of all cancers diagnosed in Australia each year.- 95% of skin cancers can be cured if detected and treated early.- Exposure to UVR is also known to increase premature aging, skin blotches and freckles.- Outdoor workers represent the highest risk groups in the community.

3. Guidelines

In 2008 SunSmart assisted Safe Work Australia in identifying that it is essential skin cancer prevention and early detection are reflected adequately in Work Health and Safety Regulations and Codes of Practice.

The Cancer Council of Australia recommends establishing an additional code of practice specifically for solar UVR which outlines how a person with health and safety duties should create a work environment that is without risks to health and safety, including developing a comprehensive ultraviolet radiation protection program.

It is estimated that around one-third of cancers in Australia could be prevented by modifying lifestyle and environmental risk factors, including occupational exposure.

Issue Date:

Planned Review Date:

SUN PROTECTION POLICY TEMPLATE cont...

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4. Recommendations

4.1 Shelter

When working outside it is advisable to take an appropriate form of shelter to prevent exposure to solar UVR and where possible jobs taking place in the sun should be to be relocated to an area with adequate shade. Any form of shade provision should cast a dark shadow (i.e. block out UVR to a minimum of 50%). Other forms of personal protection must be used for jobs that cannot be relocated.

When driving, it is advisable to keep the windows up at times where levels of solar UVR are peaking (generally between 10am – 3pm). This assumes adequate tinting and air circulation are available.As UVR can reflect strongly from various surfaces it is advisable that whilst under shade other forms of personal protection equipment (PPE) are still maintained.

4.2 Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)

The following items of clothing and skin protection are required depending on the level of exposure to solar UVR. - Loose fitting long sleeve shirts and long pants protecting both arms and legs from UVR exposure. These should be made of closely woven material with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) 50+.- Driving sleeves in absence of a long sleeved shirt.- Wide brimmed or ‘Legionnaire’s’ style head protection to shade the face and neck.- Broad spectrum sunscreen to suit the workplace environment (minimum SPF 30+ when outdoors).- Zinc based products applied to nose, ears, and lips. - Eye protection that complies with Australian Standards (AS/NZS 1067:2003 category 2, 3 or 4) and is safe to wear while driving and performing relevant work duties.

5. Responsibilities

[Company Name] is committed to ensuring the health and safety of its employees including minimising the risk of exposure to hazards such as solar UVR. [Company Name] management will make the following commitments to ensure the safety of our employees is optimised. Employees of [Company Name] are also responsible for maintaining their commitment to personal safety as outlined below.

6. Commitment

Management will:

- Provide shaded areas or temporary shade where possible.- Encourage workers to move jobs where possible to shaded areas.- Consider applying window tinting to work vehicles.- Modify reflective surfaces where possible.- Identify and minimise contact with photosensitising substances (substances that make the skin more prone to sun damage).- Provide indoor areas or shaded outdoor areas for rest/meal breaks.

SUN PROTECTION POLICY TEMPLATE cont...

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Management will (continued...):

- Schedule outdoor work tasks to occur when levels of solar UVR are less intense, such as earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon- Schedule indoor/shaded work tasks to occur when levels of solar UVR are strongest, such as the middle part of the day - Encourage employees to rotate between indoor/shaded and outdoor tasks to avoid exposing any one individual to solar UVR for long periods of time- Provide access to and ensure use of appropriate personal protective equipment, including: • Sun protective work clothing. • Sun protective hats. • Sunglasses. • Sunscreen.- Provide training to employees to enable them to work safely in the sun.- Ensure training is provided as part of induction for new employees.- Ensure employees are provided with education and information to effectively examine their own skin.- Ensure managers and supervisors act as positive role model.- Adopt sun protection practices during all company social events.- Promote the use of sun protection measures ‘off the job’.

Employees will:

- Cooperate with all measures introduced by management to minimise the risks associated with exposure to solar UVR.- Comply with instructions and advice in regards to the use of sun protection control measures.- Participate in sun protection education programs.- Act as positive role models.- Be responsible for own sun protective practices at work.

Contact Spotscreen today or Click Here for a free quote.

Perth (08) 9467 0914Sydney (02) 8004 [email protected]

Australia WideService

http://spotscreen.net.au/contact-us/