Sun Smart Policy

Purpose: This policy aims to protect all staff, volunteers and visitors of Orange Sky from the harmful effects of UV exposure.

Scope: This policy applies to all staff and volunteers of Orange Sky while conducting activities of the organisation.

Rationale

Skin cancers account for 80 per cent of all new cancers diagnosed each year in Australia, making it by far the most common cancer diagnosed. Outdoor workers receive five to 10 times more UV radiation exposure from the sun than indoor workers, putting them at increased risk of skin damage and skin cancer.

Skin damage, including skin cancer, is the result of cumulative exposure to UV radiation from the sun. Research shows exposure to UV radiation contributes to skin cancer and other forms of skin damage such as sunspots, blemishes and premature ageing. Most skin damage and skin cancer is therefore preventable.

Workplaces are required to protect against known hazards to worker health and safety. Employers must ensure their employees and volunteers can work safely and without risk to their health - this includes exposure to UV radiation. In turn, employees and volunteers have a responsibility for their own health and safety and must follow UV protection policies and use sun protective measures provided. With this in mind, workplaces play a major role in providing an environment to positively influence long-term sun safe behaviour through providing and promoting a sun safe environment.

Benefits of a Sun Protection Policy

• Enhance the health and safety of all staff and volunteers.
• Reduced risk of insurance claims relating to sun safety.
• Demonstrate to the community the workplace’s commitment to the safety of all staff and volunteers.
• Recognition as a healthy workplace committed to staff and volunteer wellbeing.

Our Commitment

Orange Sky supports a SunSmart environment by implementing:

1. Slip on sun protective clothing

• Provide and ensure volunteers use the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including darker colored shirts (e.g. orange).

2. Slop on sunscreen

• Provide and encourage sunscreen use. Make available SPF 30 and above water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen.

3. Slap on a hat

• Encourage volunteers to use a sun-protective hat that shades the face, head, ears and neck, is made from UPF50+ material, and is in a broad-brimmed, bucket or legionnaire style. Peak caps and visors are not considered a suitable alternative.

4. Seek shade

• Provide a variety of shade (i.e. natural and portable) in all areas where staff, volunteers, friends and visitors congregate.
• Encourage volunteers to work and take breaks in shaded areas.
• Minimise the amount of time that volunteers spend in the sun during peak UV periods.

5. Slide on sunglasses

• Encourage staff and volunteers to wear sunglasses that are close fitting, have a wrap-around style and have an eye protection factor of 9 or 10, or meet Australian Standards (AS/NZS 1067:2003) or safety glasses (AS/NZS 1337.1:2010).