Be Sun Safe

BE SUN SAFE THIS SUMMER - slip, slop, slap, wrap and hydrate

Summer is a great time for getting work done on a construction site, but it does bring some extra safety risks.

Here are a few simple steps to staying safe when working in summer.

Slip into shade

Reduce your sun exposure where possible by taking regular breaks in the shade.
Avoid long periods of work in direct midday sunshine.

Slip on sun-protective clothing

Protect yourself from harmful UV rays this summer with UV protected clothing.
Wear UPF50+ rated lightweight long pants and longsleevedshirts in lighter colours with adequate air flow or ventilation to to help keep your temperature down.

Slop sunscreen on exposed skin

Choose a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen of at least SPF30.
Ensure the AS/NZ 2604 standard is on the label.
Apply at least 15 minutes before going outside.
Reapply at least every two hours.

Slap on a hat

Use a hard hat with a front brim.
If the back of your neck is going to be exposed to the sun for long periods of time, use a neck flap or a combination full brim with neck flap.

Wrap on tinted safety glasses

Wear close fitting, wrap-around styles.
Ensure the AS/NZ 1337 standard is on the glasses.

Hydrate

Drink plenty of water regularly throughout the day to stay hydrated.
Keep a water bottle nearby and drink before you are thirsty.
Drink 150 to 200ml of water every 15 to 20 minutes, rather than consume a 1-litre drink every now and again.
Most people need about eight glasses of water per day, but if you’re working in all day heat, it’s likely you will need more.
Drinking water is preferable to drinking coffee, tea and energy drinks.
You can still enjoy the odd tea or coffee as they are only mildly diuretic. However energy drinks contain large amounts of caffeine (and sugar) which can have more extreme diuretic effects which can lead to dehydration.

Click the image below to download the poster for your workplace.