The weather has been a little temperamental so far this year to say the least. But we are nothing if not optimistic, and according to some long range forecasts, we could finally be in for some lovely warm weather over the Summer. Disclaimer: don’t get your hopes up too much, this is England!
Anyway, should a heatwave bless us, there are associated dangers to exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV) from the sun. This can cause skin damage starting with sunburn, blistering, and skin ageing and in the long term can lead to skin cancer.
It’s never too early (or too late!) to reduce your risk of skin cancer and sun and heat stroke, so make sure you slap on the sun cream when exposed to these powerful UV rays. Especially those spending long periods outdoors including farmers/agricultural workers, construction industries, gardeners and sports people who are most at risk.
Employers must protect the health and safety of all employees, even seasonal workers. For example, those working on events, agency and temporary workers. You need to ensure that all staff receive the relevant training for their roles and that relevant risk assessments have been carried out.
It is important to ensure the impact these risks may have on an employee’s health is taken into account.
Research tells us that skin cancer is growing at a faster rate in men than women. In males in the UK, melanoma skin cancer is the 5th most common cancer. It’s clear, a suntan is not a sign of health, it is a sign of skin damage that does not offer protection from harmful UV rays.
An “ABCDE moles checklist” has been developed to help you tell the difference between a normal mole and a melanoma. The checklist and other useful information can be found on the NHS Choices website and you can also visit the NHS site for official advice on staying safe in the sun.
If you or your employees are regularly working outdoors then this should be considered in your risk assessments and controls put in place to minimise exposure to the sun and heat.
As well as skin damage, there is also a high risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke during hot weather.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be provided by an employer ‘free of charge’ and supplied where there are risks which cannot be controlled by other means. Employees exposed to extreme temperatures should be provided with appropriate workwear such as long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats and cotton outerwear when working outside in summer temperatures.
You should encourage employees to keep covered up during the summer months – especially around mid-day when the sun is at its strongest. For example, long-sleeved shirts and hats that can protect the neck and ears.
You should also encourage the use of sunscreen of at least SPF (Sun Protection Factor) 15 on any part of the body that is not covered up. It should also be encouraged to take breaks in the shade, if possible, rather than staying out in the sun. Where possible, provide water to encourage employees to avoid dehydration and always keep employees informed about the dangers of exposure to the sun.
Although not strictly PPE, protective clothing can help to keep workers fit and healthy, as the construction industry demonstrates with waterproof clothing (needed in the UK!) and fleeces which are made of high visibility fabrics.
What is the difference between heat stroke and heat exhaustion?
Heatstroke is caused when the body overheats and is unable to cool itself down by sweating due to dehydration which is most common in the summer months. This most serious form of heat injury can occur if your body temperature rises to 40 °C or higher. Heat stroke is potentially life-threatening and needs to be treated by medical professionals.
Heat exhaustion is a result of your body overheating, usually caused by exposure to high temperatures. Particularly when combined with high humidity, and strenuous physical activity which in turn leads to dehydration caused by excess sweating.
Without prompt treatment, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke, a life-threatening condition. Fortunately, heat exhaustion is preventable and if recognised early enough, is not serious and usually gets better when you cool down.
Here we have listed some tips on how to avoid heatstroke and heat exhaustion. Follow this simple guide and you’ll be best prepared to act quickly and confidently:
- Drink plenty of water and natural juices, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine as they constrict the blood vessels near the skin and reduce the amount of heat the body can release.
- Eat small meals more often and avoid foods that are high in protein because they increase metabolic heat.
- Avoid the heat as much as possible and spend time in a cool space – the best place if you don’t have air conditioning is the lowest floor of a building.
- Remember, electric fans do not generate cool air they merely blow hot air around the room so you’re not solving anything.
- Wear the appropriate attire – loose-fitting, lightly coloured clothes will be best as they reflect heat and sunlight and help maintain normal body temperature.
- Protect your face and head by wearing a cap, hat or head scarf – select cosmetic products, contact lenses and sunglasses that offer UV protection.
- Take it easy – if you engage in strenuous activities then the best times are early morning and late evening.
- Use a sunscreen lotion with a high sun protection factor (SPF) rating – apply at least 30 minutes before sun exposure and then every 2 hours thereafter, more if you are sweating or swimming.
- Learn the symptoms of heat disorders and know how to give first aid – see below for more on this.
- Keep a constant watch near water and scan the water every 20 seconds – it only takes a few seconds to drown. Make sure protection measures are in place to prevent access to the water when unsupervised.
- Swim in areas, where possible, where an active lifeguard is on duty.
BBQ Safety
The BBQ will soon be taking centre stage. By taking simple, common-sense precautions, you can help keep yourself and those around you safe:
General Tips
• Make sure your barbecue is in good working order
• Ensure the barbecue is on a flat site, well away from a shed, trees or shrubs
• Keep children, garden games and pets well away from the cooking area
• Never leave the barbecue unattended
• Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergencies
• Ensure the barbecue is cool before attempting to move it
Charcoal Barbecues
• Use only enough charcoal to cover the base to a depth of about 50mm (2 inches)
• Only use recognised fire lighters or starter fuel and only on cold coals – use the minimum necessary and never use petrol or lighter fluid
• Never put hot ashes straight into a dustbin or wheelie bin – they could melt the plastic and cause a fire
Gas Barbecues
• Make sure the tap is turned off before changing the gas cylinder
• Change cylinders outdoors if possible or in a well-ventilated area
• If you suspect a leak to the cylinder or pipe work, brush soapy water around the joints and watch for bubbles – tighten to fix but do not over tighten
• After cooking, turn off the gas cylinder before turning it off at the controls to ensure any residual gas in the pipe work is used up
Food Safety
It is estimated that 5 million people got food poisoning last year.
• Cook meat, poultry and seafood thoroughly. Use a meat thermometer to be sure your grilled meats are cooked properly on the inside
• Don’t cross-contaminate one food with another
• Wash your hands, utensils and cutting boards after they have been in contact with raw meat or poultry and before they touch another food
• Bacteria can multiply at room temperature, so refrigerate leftover foods promptly
• Wash produce thoroughly to remove visible dirt, and discard the outermost leaves of a head of lettuce or cabbage
As qualified and experienced health and safety professionals, we can make managing health and safety in your business hassle free. This includes advice on how to carry out risk assessments taking into account outdoor work. Call us on 0117 453 9856 or e-mail us for more information or advice
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