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:
Cold environments
- Ensure the personal protective equipment issued is appropriate
- Provision of mobile facilities for warming up, and encourage the drinking of warm fluids such as soup or hot chocolate
- Introduce more frequent rest breaks
- Can work be delayed and undertaken at warmer times of the year without compromising on safety
- Educate workers about recognising the early symptoms of cold stress.
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
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.
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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