Outdoor working
When working outdoors the weather can have an effect on an individual's effectiveness and this is not readily managed using just engineering controls. In these circumstances some of the most effective ways of managing these environments is by introducing some simple administrative controls for example:
Working in the sun
What is the problem?
Too much sunlight is harmful to your skin. A tan is a sign that the skin has been damaged. The damage is caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays in sunlight.
- Hot environments
- Reschedule work to cooler times of the day
- Provide more frequent rest breaks and introduce shading to rest areas
- Provide free access to cool drinking water
- Introduce shading in areas where individuals are working
- Encourage the removal of personal protective equipment when resting to help encourage heat loss.
- Educate workers about recognising the early symptoms of heat stress
Who is at risk?
If work keeps you outdoors for a long time your skin could be exposed to more sun than is healthy for you. Outdoor workers that could be at risk include farm or construction workers, market gardeners, outdoor activity workers and some public service workers. You should take particular care if you have:
- fair or freckled skin that doesn’t tan, or goes red or burns before it tans;
- red or fair hair and light coloured eyes;
- a large number of moles.
What are the harmful effects?
In the short term, even mild reddening of the skin from sun exposure is a sign of damage. Sunburn can blister the skin and make it peel.
Longer term problems can arise. Too much sun speeds up ageing of the skin, making it leathery, mottled and wrinkled. The most serious effect is an increased chance of developing skin cancer.
What can you do to protect yourself?
- Keep your top on (ordinary clothing made from close woven fabric, such as long sleeved workshirt and jeans stops most UV)
- Wear a hat with a brim or a flap that covers the ears and the back of the neck.
- Stay in the shade whenever possible, during your breaks and especially at lunch time.
- Use a high factor sunscreen of at least SPF15 on any exposed skin.
- Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
- Check your skin regularly for any unusual moles or spots. See a doctor promptly if you find anything that is changing in shape, size or colour, itching or bleeding.
Where can you get further information?
The following free leaflets have been produced by HSE:
The following website also provide useful information:
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The TUC have also issued advice to those responsible for health and safety concerning the risks of skin cancer to outside workers:
http://www.tuc.org.uk/extras/skincancer.pdf
Employers have a legal duty to protect the health and safety of their employees according to the:
There is information about employers' legal obligations on the Health and Safety Executive website.
How is everyone coping with the weather?
I have sweat pouring off my brow sitting doing nothing. Think I'm going to call it a day!
It's only set to get hotter isn't it? Currently sat in an office but working outside sounds lovely right now!
HSE advice - Keeping cool and safe at work
More information on how to keep cool and safe at work can be found at:
i would say a steady absorption of half a litre of water per hour i can probably say i sweat that as well =]
I'm actually loving it, it's the first summer we've had in this part of Wales for 6 years,
I take 4 litres of water with me & get top ups from customers if required, plenty of high factor sun block, regular applications of deet a good sun hat to keep my bonce covered and most importantly I don't rush around, you can't be working like a blue ar*ed fly in this heat.
I'll wear shorts when I can but obviously longs for strimming etc.
I had a chat with my doctor & have been given some different meds for my hayfever which appears to be under control but my asthma did kick in a bit the other day after strimming a load of pineapple weed
Don't wait until you feel thirsty before you drink, by then it's too late your already dehydrated, Like Benjamin said little and often, although I probably drink about 1l/hr
Good advice all round. Trying to work in shade as much as possible and covering up too. Whole body is fish belly white, but if I put my arms above my head, I look like a pencil!! Agree with the idea of working slowly but surely. In days gone by, you never heard of or saw farm labourers blootering about; they were usually plodding home. Know the feeling. However, after last year's dreadful, wet weather, I am only complaining a wee bit.
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