QUALITY DOCUMENT
Name of Form: IMS9.4.6.11 Sun Smart Procedure

IMS9.4.6.11 Sun Smart Procedure

1.0   OBJECTIVES

Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. Despite being an almost entirely preventable disease it continues to affect at least two in three Australians before the age of 70. Of all new cancers diagnosed in Australia each year, 80% are skin cancers. Workers who spend all or part of the day outdoors have a higher than average risk of skin cancer. This is because ultraviolet radiation from the sun or ‘solar UV radiation’ is a known carcinogen. All skin types can be damaged by exposure to solar UV radiation. Damage is permanent and irreversible and increases with each exposure. SeaLink Travel Group aims to provide a working environment that is safe and addresses risks to health. This includes taking proper steps to reduce the known health risks associated with exposure to solar UV radiation for outdoor workers. This policy outlines the minimum standard that applies to all SeaLink Travel Group employees.

2.0   POLICY

SeaLink Travel Group will use the following measures to minimise the risk to workers:

3.0   CONTROL MEASURES

2.1   Engineering Controls

• Provide shaded areas or temporary shade where practicable.
• Encourage workers to move jobs to shaded areas where practicable.
• Ensure shade is available for meal breaks.
• Apply window tinting to company owned vehicles.
• Modify reflective surfaces where practicable.
• Identify and minimise contact with photosensitizing substances.

2.2   Personal Protective Equipment and Clothing

All workers who work outdoors have available to them appropriate personal protective equipment and clothing to be worn when working outdoors:

• Long sleeve shirts and long trousers.
• Sun protective hats that are broad brimmed are available and recommended to shade the face, head, ears and neck. Caps are also available.
• Sunscreen (broad spectrum, water-resistant, SPF 30 or higher).
• Cool drinking water. All workers are encouraged to wear sunglasses that are close fitting or a wrap-around style when outdoors to protect their eyes from UV damage.

All workers who work outdoors have available to them a protective sunglass if they do not have their own. Administration workers are provided with suitable work wear.

2.3   Education and Training

• Provide education to workers to enable them to work safely in the sun.
• Ensure information is provided as part of induction for new workers.
• Ensure management act as positive role models.
• Adopt sun protection practices during company social events.

2.4   Worker Responsibilities

• Cooperate with all measures introduced by management to minimise the risks associated with exposure to solar UV radiation.
• Comply with instructions and advice regarding sun protective control measures.
• Apply sunscreen (broad spectrum, water-resistant, SPF 30 or higher) to exposed skin generously twenty (20) minutes before going outdoors so that it can be absorbed and reapply at a minimum every two (2) hours.
• Where applicable and based on risks exposure with regards to employment role, if a worker wears a short sleeve shirt, shorts and/or a cap whilst working outdoors, it is a requirement that they generously apply sunscreen as above. This includes whilst driving a vehicle or operating a vessel.
• Store sunscreen in a cool place (below 30°C) to prevent deterioration and reduction in effectiveness. Sunscreen expiry dates are to be checked and adhered to.
• Keep windows up in vehicles to take advantage of the protection provided from window tint and utilise sun-visors to provide added protection.
• Keep well hydrated by drinking plenty of cool water to avoid heat illness during hot and humid weather where you are at a higher risk of dehydration and heat-related illnesses. (The adverse effects of dehydration start long before you feel thirsty).
• Take rest breaks as scheduled and report to your Manager, Master or Supervisor immediately if you start to feel weak or faint.
• Participate in sun protection education programs.
• Develop a regular habit of checking your skin for new spots and changes to existing freckles or moles, seek medical attention if you notice any changes and have regular skin checks.
• Act as a positive role model and be responsible for your own sun protective practices at all times.

This procedure applies to all SeaLink Travel Group workplaces and will be regularly reviewed in light of developments, including changes to legislation and our understanding of best practice.