“I’m always getting burnt”: WA workers’ experiences of sun protection in the workplace

A total of 511 WA adults who worked outdoors during daylight hours for at least one hour per day participated in the Cancer Council WA Survey for Safe Work Month (Lizama, 2024). Workers were from a range of industries, including mining, construction, health care and social assistance, and education and training.

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Sun Safety Measures Adopted by Outdoor Workers

Workers reported the actions they took while working outdoors during the day to reduce their sun exposure. Fewer than half said they always or usually wore sunscreen (47%), a broad-brimmed hat (41%), or sought shade (47%). In contrast, more than half stated they always or usually wore sunglasses (68%) and clothing that covered their arms and legs (54%)

Employer Strategies to Protect Outdoor Workers from Sun Exposure

Employees working for an organisation or business (n=457, excluding self-employed workers) reported the measures their employers implemented to protect them from UV exposure.

Nearly one quarter (24%) of workers said their employer does not do anything to reduce their UV exposure. Just over half (52%) of workers said their employer provides sunscreen when working outdoors during the day. Less than half of workers said their employer provides other sun protection equipment, such as clothing that cover their arms and legs (41%), a broad-brimmed hat (37%), or sunglasses (35%).

Thoughts about sun protection at work

Many workers felt that their employer should take more responsibility to protect workers from UV exposure at work, making comments stating that sun protection is “often disregarded as a hazard by management who spend most, if not all of their time indoors.”

Several respondents were concerned about the effect of UV exposure on their skin, with one noting that “I’m always getting burnt”, and another reporting that they had had several skin cancers removed.

Guidance for Workplaces

Creating a safer workplace involves understanding UV radiation and its harmful effects as well as fulfilling legal obligations as an employer. The Skin Cancer and Outdoor Work – A Work Health and Safety Guide provides WHS representatives valuable insights and guidance on the importance of sun protection policies and practices in the workplace.

The Sun Safety for Outdoor Workers:  Implementation Guide offers straightforward, practical steps for integrating sun safety protocols into your workplace.

Begin by doing a UV Risk Assessment to spot any UV related risks and see what safety measures are already in place. Then decide on the areas that need the most attention and use the Sun Safety for Outdoor Workers: Action Plan template to outline your strategy.

Free Downloads

• Download WHS Guide
• Download Implementation Guide
• Download UV Risk Assessment
• Download Action Plan
• Download free report

Additionally, consult with colleagues – their insights can really help shape your sun safety plan.

Suggested citation: Lizama N. 2024 Cancer Council WA Survey for Safe Work Month 2023: UV Exposure. Perth: Cancer Council WA