Comments on: Safe in the sun /blog/sussed-news/2018/07/25/safe-in-the-sun/ SUSSED News Tue, 31 Jul 2018 08:13:13 +0000 hourly 1 By: Mark Jones /blog/sussed-news/2018/07/25/safe-in-the-sun/#comment-2963 Wed, 25 Jul 2018 10:15:00 +0000 /blog/sussed-news/?p=60063#comment-2963 If staff/students work outside as part of their research/jobs then hazards such as ultraviolet (UV) from sunlight, heat exhaustion and lack of water then this should be covered in a risk assessment. This is a legal requirement on The University. PPE should be one of the controls as well as rotating work and breaks. Some are more vulnerable than others. This would also include contractors.

From HSE below

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. If you have naturally brown or black skin, you are less at risk of skin cancer, although cases do occur. Therefore, when the sunlight is intense, it would be sensible if you also followed the guidance below to protect yourself. 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.

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.

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