Australian construction, landscaping, and agriculture industries involve working in one of the most dangerous places in terms of sunlight conditions. The primary health threat here is excessive UV rays exposure, which causes sunburn, and could later lead to cancer. Thus, employers and workers have to cooperate and implement necessary measures for sun safety in order to avoid health hazards.
Understanding UV Rays
Sun radiation in Australia includes both UVA and UVB rays. As a rule, the former affect the skin deeply causing aging, whereas the latter are responsible for sunburn. Both types of radiation increase the probability of developing cancer significantly. What is more, these rays cannot be felt physically, hence, cannot serve as the only factor to determine their intensity. It means that you have to protect yourself from the sun even on cool days.
Protective Workwear
When choosing your clothes, make sure they have a UPF50+ label because such garments block out the majority of harmful UV rays. Choose women’s long sleeve work shirts and pants made of breathable tight-fitting fabric. Also, do not forget about head protection because a classic cap does not provide any protection for your neck and ears. Try wearing a broad brim hat, and if necessary add sun flaps to your helmet. Remember that you also need wraparound sunglasses that correspond with Australian standards.
Sunscreen Protection Tips
It is impossible to cover all of your skin using clothing, hence, it becomes necessary to apply sunscreen lotion to the rest of the exposed skin. You should choose broad-spectrum water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 50+. Apply a thick layer to your skin at least 20 minutes before going out.
In addition to applying sunscreen before starting working in the sun, remember that physical activities cause fast fading of sunscreens. That is why you need to reapply it every couple of hours, depending on weather conditions. Make sure there is always an extra supply of a sunscreen lotion in your work vehicle because you will never know when you may run out of it.
Sun Safety and Heat Stress
Along with providing effective protection against UV radiation, it is important to manage your hydration. Do not wait until you feel thirsty to drink some water because it means that you already lack fluid. Avoid sugary and caffeinated beverages as they tend to cause dehydration. Employers also have to plan work shifts wisely scheduling tough jobs to be done in the morning or evening.
Taking regular breaks to cool off is also recommended for outdoor workers. Try to spend some time under the shade or in air-conditioned offices during your lunch break.
Prioritising Health and Wellbeing
Following these tips will help you enjoy long and successful career in one of the Australian professions related to outdoor works. Remember that the sun protection is the responsibility not only of workers but employers as well. Make wearing sun protection products a daily routine along with other important things such as wearing your steel copped boots!
