Sun safety at work

(alt="Low angle shot of a group of young joining their hands together in the sun”)

Summer is here, bringing longer days, (mostly!) warmer weather, and more time spent outdoors.

Summer also means opportunities for outdoor workplace events like team-building activities, sports days and picnics.

Employers should remember that their health and safety responsibilities extend to all work-related activities, including events they organise.

As with any other workplace activity, a risk assessment must be carried out to identify foreseeable hazards and appropriate controls. When events take place outdoors, sun exposure and high temperatures must be considered.

Be sun smart with outdoor events

Here are some simple ways to keep people safe in the summer:

Dress for the weather: Encourage employees to wear hats, sunglasses, and light, loose-fitting clothing that covers arms and legs.
Provide shade: Choose locations with natural shade or set up marquees or gazebos to offer sun protection.
Get the timings right: Avoid or break up periods of being outdoors between 11am and 3pm when the sun is strongest.
Stock up on sunscreen: Encourage employees to bring SPF 30+ sunscreen and provide spare bottles for those who forget.
Drink up: We mean water here! Supply cool drinking water throughout the event and plan regular water breaks, especially for active events.

Outdoor workers need protection too

(alt="Professional gardener with protective equipment cutting hedge with electric saw in a garden on a sunny day.”)

Let’s not forget employees who work outdoors including construction workers, estate teams, delivery drivers, and gardeners.

As with any work-related activity, sun and heat exposure should be risk assessed and properly controlled.

Practical controls to consider include:

Providing lightweight uniforms that cover the skin and UV-protective eyewear.
Adjusting work schedules so physically demanding tasks can be done in the morning when it is cooler.
Identifying shaded areas on site for rest breaks.
Encouraging workers to remove PPE like high-vis jackets, hard hats and gloves during breaks, where it’s safe to do so.
Ensuring access to drinking water and encouraging regular hydration.
Providing training so employees:
- Understand the risks of UV exposure and how to stay safe.
- Know how to check the UV index and act accordingly.
- Can recognise and respond to signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
- Are aware of how to check their skin for changes and when to see their GP.

These simple steps can help everyone can stay safe and enjoy the summer. If you need help with risk assessments, please contact us by clicking on the 'Get in touch button' on the right.