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Ready for warmer weather?

 

Pretty soon, the sun will be shining most days (surely!?) and temperatures will be climbing too.

 

But as nice as that sounds, it’s another workplace hazard to contend with for us tradies.  Because New Zealand has one of the highest rates of melanoma in the world, and people who work outdoors have a higher risk of developing skin cancers. 

 

So with the above in mind, here are 16 easy things you can do to protect yourself and your team. 

 

Note: I’m sure you’re aware, if you’re employing staff you need to give them some guidance, so why not copy and paste this list and create your own sun smart policy? (also check out Worksafe)

 

 

1. Move jobs out of the sun. Outside jobs can sometimes be done inside or moved to a shady location

 

2. Erect temporary shade protection over jobs if possible

 

3. Always move to a shady spot for smoko breaks 

 

4. Organise jobs so tasks requiring outdoor work get done in the morning before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m., to avoid the hours of greatest sun intensity

 

 

5. Wear protective clothing and cover the skin - long-sleeved, closely woven shirts and long trousers provide the best protection.

 

6. Avoid clothes that you can see light through. If light’s getting through, the ultraviolet radiation is getting through as well.

 

7.  A collar will also protect the skin on the back of the neck.

 

 

8. Wear a hat that protects your head (including your bald spot), face, neck and ears. Choose a hat with a broad brim (at least 7.5cm) or a bucket-style hat. 

 

9. Even hardhats can have a flap or extra brim fitted to them.

 

 

10. Use an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen and apply at least 20 minutes before going outdoors.

 

11. Use a water-resistant sunscreen because you’ll be sweating.

 

12. Reapply sunscreen every two hours. If sweating freely, reapply more often.

 

13. Make sure the face, lips, neck, ears, arms and back of the hands are protected.

 

14. Don’t forget about the sneaky spots like your lower back when bending over (aka builders crack).

 

15. Remember that ultraviolet radiation bounces off water, sand, concrete, light-coloured surfaces and reflective surfaces. If you’re working near these areas take extra care.

 

16. Use sunglasses or safety glasses that filter out UV rays. Go for close fitting wraparound styles. Look for the label AS/NZS 1067:2003.

 

If you can’t remember 16 things just remember four - slip, slop, slap and wrap. 

 

And don’t forget you can also get burnt when it’s cloudy. 

 

Bonus: While writing this article we realised Ovaboard can even help with sun protection! Why not try using Ovaboard to construct some temporary shade, or use it as a temporary outdoor floor for your shaded work area or smoko spot. 

 

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This pearl of wisdom brought to you by Ovaboard. Protect floors while you work.  

 

We do our best to provide accurate and insightful content but we’re not perfect! We don’t claim total accuracy or completeness and don’t accept any liability.

 

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