Although the temperature in the United Kingdom is volatile this summer, the hottest decade on record in the United Kingdom has occurred since 2002. Generally speaking, the world is heating up; on June 9, 2021, the death valley was observed on the earth. The highest temperature since records reached 54.4°C. As extremely hot weather often arrives without warning, both employers and employees must be prepared to identify and manage risks.
Unprotected exposure to ultraviolet rays (UV) from the sun may cause skin damage and skin cancer, which is one of the hazards of hot weather that is better understood, but according to the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, skin cancer The incidence rate is faster than any other common cancer. Therefore, outdoor workers must understand the risks and know how to maintain protection.
All skin types are vulnerable, but people with red or blonde hair, light-colored eyes, and many moles are at higher risk.
The good news is that skin cancer is almost completely preventable, and various measures can be taken to ensure safety when working in the sun. These measures include: Wearing T-shirts and tops, wearing a hat to cover areas that are prone to sunburn-such as the back of the ears and neck, staying in the shade as much as possible, using SPF 15+ high-factor sunscreen and checking the skin regularly to look for unusual Spots or moles.
For more information, please see: www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg337.pdf
As the temperature rises, so does the risk of developing heat-related diseases (commonly called heat stress). Heat stress may include relatively minor problems such as heat cramps and prickly heat, as well as more serious conditions such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Quick treatment of heat stroke can reverse this effect, but a rise in blood temperature above 39.5°C will turn into heat stroke, which is a medical emergency. Regular training can help workers recognize and respond to signs of heat-related illnesses.
Some control measures can reduce the risks associated with working at high temperatures. These include scheduling work during colder hours of the day and alternating tasks to avoid continuous outdoor work. It is also a good idea to provide shade when possible, and consider using window tints for vehicles operating in direct sunlight. Increasing the frequency of rest during hot weather and providing shaded or air-conditioned rest areas with water may also help.
Wear long-sleeved cool clothes, wear a helmet neck cover or a military cap with flaps and brim to protect your ears and neck, use high-factor sunscreen to help prevent sunburn, and breathable safety shoes can ensure that workers stay comfortable and comfortable. protected.
Some workers may like cooling vests that can be cooled with ice, such as ice packs and cooling turbans, towels and wraps.
Speaking of sunglasses, look for the European CE mark, which indicates the level of safety protection. Ideally, sunglasses should fit snugly and wrapped to prevent sun UVR from entering the edges, and don't forget to make sure they are compatible with other PPE.
Sun protection policies are common in countries such as Australia, where there are a lot of sunny days and high UV index, but as the temperature in the UK rises, they are becoming more and more popular.
The sun protection policy can include any of the above measures, as well as provide details of any training program, and promise to review your methods on a regular basis.
The charity skin.org provides a free sun-safe workplace certification program, which includes creating and uploading a sun protection policy as a written document to record why and how to manage solar UVR risks. www.skcin.org/ourWork/sunSafeWorkplaces.htm
To learn more about how CHAS helps ensure high standards of health and safety throughout the supply chain, please visit chas.co.uk