Download Sun Protection - Policy

Sun Protection - Policy
Document Number: WHS A007.01
Approval Authority: HR Manager
Last Approval Date: 18 December 2014
Review date: 18 December 2017
Audience: All staff
1. Purpose and Objectives
UQ Sport Ltd (UQSL) is committed to achieve and maintaining a highest attainable level of health and safety
for all employees whether they are full-time, part-time or casual, directors, contractors, consultants, visitors
and volunteers. In view of the dangers of over-exposure to the sun and ultra-violet (UV) radiation, UQSL will
encourage and promote the importance of being sun safe to all employees.
2. Policy Scope/Coverage
This policy applies to all employees (permanent, casual and contract), directors, contractor, consultants,
visitors and volunteers.
3. Policy Statement
The health and safety of all employees is of primary concern for UQSL including the protection of employees
who are exposed to UVR due to the nature of their role. It is acknowledged that skin cancer is a major public
health problem with approximately two out of every three people, who having spent their childhood in
Australia will require treatment for skin cancer at some point in their lifetime. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation
(UVR) from the sun has been identified as the major cause of skin cancer.
The aim of this policy is to reduce outdoor workers exposure to UVR. UVR is recognised as a risk to health.
As a result, risk assessment procedures apply. The measures outlined below reflect a risk management
approach.
UQSL will provide resources to ensure this policy is fully developed and implemented in a consultative,
coordinated and consistent way across the full range of worksite functions.
UQSL has a range of measures to reduce their exposure to UV radiation to employees working directly in the
sun:
 UQSL provides information, instruction, training and supervision for employees
 UQSL provide sun protection control measures in line with occupational hazard controls ie. shade,
personal protective equipment and clothing (broad-brimmed hats, shirts & sunscreen)
 UQSL implements a monitoring and review process to determine the effectiveness of control
measures and identify changes that may further reduce exposure.
4. Employee Obligations
All UQSL employees must comply with this policy when working under direct sun light exposure and correctly
use personal protective equipment and clothing provided.
Sunscreen – Provided
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A broad spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF 30+ is recommended for workers who are
required to work outdoors.
Sunscreen will be placed in areas accessible for all employees and stored in a cool place out of the
sun.
As sunscreen does not offer 100% protection it is to be used in conjunction with additional protective
measures such as clothing, hats and sunglasses.
Sunscreen should be applied generously to all areas of exposed skin at least 20 minutes before
going outside. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours as it easily wipes off, sweats off, or
washes off.
Broad brimmed hats – Provided
A broad brimmed hat must be worn at all times when working outside.
Please note: Baseball caps or visors do not provide enough sun protection and therefore are not
recommended.
Skin cancer screening
It is recommended that employees undertake regular skin screening to ensure early detection of any
possible skin cancers that need to be removed.
Sunglasses – employee provided
UQSL highly recommends wearing close-fitting, wraparound style sunglasses that meet the Australian/New
Zealand Standard for sunglasses.
5. Breach of Policy
This policy will cover all employees including casual, temporary and permanent workers. Supervisors and
managers have a leadership role and are responsible for preventing incidents and taking prompt action if
breaches do occur.
Breach of this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. In some instances may
also amount to a criminal offence or a breach of relevant Commonwealth legislation.