Builder’s Tan is no Joke! Be Sun Smart
As the good weather continues, its so important for outdoor workers, to protect yourself from skin cancer.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland with over 13,000 cases diagnosed annually. The annual rates of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers are increasing.
The main cause of skin cancer is ultraviolet (UV) rays in sunlight. Sun exposure is the best natural source of Vitamin D and is important for good general health. We can all enjoy the outdoors but we just need to think about how we protect our skin when outside. Outdoor workers are at higher risk than other workers.
With direct sun around this past few weeks here in Ireland, its crucial to remember that safety should always be top priority whether the sun is out or behind the clouds.
Heat stress and skin damage are serious concerns that can affect productivity, health, and overall job performance. Therefore, understanding how to protect ourselves from these risks is paramount.
It is important to prepare for the occupational health and safety risks associated with warmer temperatures. These risks include sunburn, skin cancer, dehydration, heat stress, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. To ensure you work safely in the sun, try to :
- Slip on clothing that covers your skin, such as long sleeves, collared t-shirts.
- Slop on sunscreen on exposed areas. Use sunscreen SPF minimum 30 or higher. Apply 20 minutes before going outside and re-apply every two hours – more often if perspiring.
- Slap on a wide-brimmed headgear/helmet.
- Seek shade – especially if outdoors between 11am and 3pm when UV rays are at their strongest.
- Slide on appropriate eyewear and/or wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes.
Stay safe, stay protected, and enjoy the sunshine responsibly!
#SkinDamagePrevention #WorkplaceSafety #HeatStressPrevention #ConstructionSafety
#healthandsafety #workplacesafety
Psychological Hazards and Stress at Work
Psychological hazards and stress at work can have a huge impact on employee wellbeing, as well as on the workplace. Why not complete this short course from the HSA will help you understand these hazards and stresses, and develop coping strategies to help you. You will learn about workplace stress and the effects of stress on the person. Coping strategies and further information to help you, should you be experiencing psychosocial hazards or stress at work, is also provided on this course.
Why not register with HSAlearning online and complete some of these free short courses.
