Work Outdoors

Sunburn and Skin Cancer

Sunburn is the most common ill effect of over-exposure to the sun. It is well established that ultraviolet radiation from the sun is a major cause of skin cancer particularly for people that work outdoors.
Exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun in the short term may result in sunburn and an accumulation over a longer term may lead to solar keratosis and skin cancer.

It is possible to reduce the likelihood of sunburn as well as the possibilities of preventable skin cancers.

Sun Protection

We have an obligation under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 to provide a safe working environment.
To minimize your exposure while working in an outside environment, you shall:

• Wear darkened safety glasses with ultraviolet absorbing lenses.
• Wear a hard hat with a broad brim, it is a requirement that hard hats are worn in operational areas.
• Wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt and roll your shirt sleeves down with the cuffs buttoned up to keep your skin covered.
• Where your skin is exposed to the sun, use a broad spectrum 30+ SFP sunscreen.
• Make sure the face, neck, arms and any other exposed parts are fully covered with sun screen.
• Repeat application of sun screen every two hours, or more frequently if sweating heavily.

Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

Heat exhaustion

This results in collapse of the affected person due to dehydration and overloaded cardiovascular system.
Symptoms include fainting, lethargy, headache, low blood pressure, nausea, clammy, pale, or flushed skin and a normal to slightly elevated body temperature.
Should heat exhaustion occur:
• Remove any heavy clothing.
• Immediately assist the affected person out of the hot environment.
• Rest the person in a cool place and sponge with cool water if skin is hot and dry.
• Give fluids. and
• Seek medical assistance.

Heat stroke
Heat stroke may appear similar to heat exhaustion, but the skin may be dry with no sweating and the person’s mental condition worsens.
They may stagger, appear confused, fit, collapse, and become unconscious. Heat stroke occurs when a person becomes dehydrated, and their body temperature rises
This is a medical emergency and can lead to death.

Signs of heat stroke include:

• Irritability, confusion, disorientation, incoherent speech.
• Hot, dry flushed skin.
• Convulsions.
• Loss of consciousness.
• Body temperature > 40°Celcius
• Cardiac arrest.
Immediate first aid must be given, while awaiting transfer to hospital. It is essential to cool the person affected by removing heavy clothing, moving to a cool place, sponging with water and vigorous fanning.

Preventing heat stroke
• Drink plenty of water or other cool, non-alcoholic fluids.
• Stay cool and keep air circulating around you. Use air conditioning in a vehicle or room.
• Eat regular, light meals.
• Avoid drinking extremely cold liquids as they can cause stomach cramps.
• If activity is unavoidable, try to schedule activity for the cooler part of the day and take rest breaks. Whenever possible, stay in the shade.

Electrical Storms
No place is 100% safe from lightning. However, being aware of, and following proven lightning safety guidelines can greatly reduce the risk of injury or death.
The key to this is “anticipating a high-risk situation and moving to and staying at a lower-risk location”.
When you have been instructed to or you first see lightning or hear thunder, contact supervision, and stop all outdoor activities. Where possible, go to the nearest covered building or enclosed car or truck.

All light vehicles, mobile plant and excavator operators shall cease operating, park up and head to the lunchroom / crib room and wait until the “all clear” has been given to return to operational duties.

Outdoor Personnel
If in a vehicle, stay inside the vehicle.
• Close all doors and windows.
• Do not touch any metal parts connected to the outside of the vehicle.
• Do not touch door / window handles.
• Do not touch radio equipment.
• Do not touch the steering wheel / controls.
• Stay seated with hands in your lap and feet together. and
• Never attempt to leave the vehicle.
Do not shelter inside a truck or vehicle carrying dangerous substances, such as explosives, explosive accessories, fuel, chemicals, etc.
Do not operate your vehicle if it has been struck by lightning, contact supervision, and wait for emergency response.
If not in a vehicle or building, stay at the chosen safest location, avoid water, high ground, open spaces, solitary tall trees, and metal objects.
• Crouch down.
• Place feet together.
• Cover ears to minimise hearing damage from the thunder.
• Distance yourself from other people and structures (5m). and
• Listen for further advice.

Inside of a shelter, stay away from doors, windows and avoid water. Electrical appliances (e.g. computers, power tools) should be turned off and unplugged. If appliances can’t be unplugged (e.g. telephones), then stay away from them.
Persons injured by lightning do not carry an electrical charge and can be handled safely. Administer first aid to a lightning victim if you’re qualified to do so. Contact supervision immediately.