Working on site in summer
With December marking the start of summer in New Zealand, Site Safe New Zealand has plenty of tips to help you keep healthy and safe while working outside.
Site Safe says that it is important to protect yourself from over exposure of sun and UV-rays, which can cause painful sunburn and potentially lead to skin cancer. Around 90,000 non-melanoma skin cancers are diagnosed each year in New Zealand.
“Hard work on a hot day can cause our body to become dehydrated or at risk of heatstroke, where your body is unable to cool itself down. Heatstroke is an emergency and needs to be treated immediately,” says Site Safe.
Site Safe says the worksite is a much safer environment when workers keep hydrated through regular water intake, avoid drinks that contribute to dehydration such as caffeine, try to limit or avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat, and during the hottest part of the day, plan to do work in the shade.
Fight off fatigue
Good weather can mean longer working days to get a job done, but ignoring the signs of fatigue and tiredness can lead to real risk. Make sure you:
• Schedule and take regular breaks, and extra when the job feels harder than usual due to the weather.
• Always use the right tools for the job. Handling vibrating tools can increase fatigue, so consider switching to low-vibration tools or machinery if possible.
• Look out for your own safety, and the safety of other workers. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you think someone needs to take a break.
For more information visit www.sitesafe.org.nz.
Be sun safe On site:
• Cover up with UV rated, breathable clothing that complies with your PPE requirements.
• Wear broad-spectrum, water-resistant, SPF30+ sunscreen, and reapply regularly.
• Wear a hardhat that has a front brim and neck flap.
• Wear wrap-around style safety sunglasses.
• If you notice any unusual skin changes or see a spot or mole that is different from others, get it checked by your doctor.
* Information provided by the Cancer Society.