Worksite Sun Safety: A Practical Guide for Outdoor Workers (and Employers)

Queensland has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, and the risks are even greater for people who work outdoors. In fact, “two in three Australians will develop skin cancer before the age of 70,” and “99% of skin cancers are caused by ultraviolet radiation (UVR)” — damage that often begins early and builds over time.

If your team works outside — even part of the day — sun exposure becomes a serious workplace hazard. Outdoor workers may receive “5–10 times more UVR exposure every year than indoor workers,” making worksite sun safety essential for long-term health and safety compliance.

This guide breaks down what employers and workers need to know, how to reduce exposure, and how to build simple daily sun protection habits that stick.

Why Sun Safety at Work Matters in Queensland (and Across Australia)

Sun exposure isn’t just uncomfortable — it’s a real occupational risk. UV radiation is a proven carcinogen and can affect workers even when the weather feels mild.

According to workplace sun safety guidance, UVR:

• “can be high even on cool and cloudy days”

• “cannot be felt”

• can “bounce off reflective surfaces such as metal, concrete and water”

This is why construction site sun protection, landscaping, outdoor education, delivery work, trade and civil works all fall into high-risk categories for UV damage.

The key message is simple: UV exposure is cumulative, and damage can happen fast. As the guide notes: “Damage occurs as soon as the skin is exposed to the sun (UVR). Damage is permanent and irreversible and increases with each exposure.”

Understanding the UV Index (And When Protection Is Required)

A major challenge for worksites is that UV risk doesn’t always match temperature. The best tool for daily decision-making is the UV Index, which the guide explains as a five-level rating system:

• Low: 1–2

• Moderate: 3–5

• High: 6–7

• Very High: 8–10

• Extreme: 11+

Here’s the most important rule for outdoor crews:

✅ “Sun protection is required for three and above.”

In Queensland, “the UV Index is 3 or higher almost every day,” which is why sun protection cannot be seasonal — it must be part of daily PPE and safety culture.

Practical tip for supervisors:Make checking the UV Index a standard pre-start habit (like weather, wind, or heat risk). The guide recommends checking the Bureau of Meteorology UV Index or using the SunSmart app.

Daily Worksite Sun Safety Routine: The “Be SunSmart” Method

The most effective worksite approach is a layered system — not just sunscreen alone. The toolbox talk recommends the well-known SunSmart steps:

• Slip on sun protective clothing

• Slop on SPF30 or higher sunscreen and reapply every two hours

• Slap on a protective broad brimmed hat

• Seek shade where possible

• Slide on wrap-around sunglasses that comply with Australian standards

What this looks like on a worksite

Before shift starts:

• Apply broad-spectrum SPF to face, neck, ears, arms, hands

• Confirm shaded break areas are set up

• Confirm PPE includes long sleeves + hat + sunglasses

During shift:

• Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours

• Swap tasks where possible to reduce exposure during peak UV

• Use shade (even temporary) for stationary jobs

After shift:

• Encourage workers to check for sunburn

• Promote annual skin checks

This is also where product selection matters. Many worksites struggle with sunscreen that feels greasy or irritates skin — which reduces compliance. EcoZinc supports worksite sun safety by offering TGA compliant sunscreen Australia businesses can supply in bulk — including SPF 50+ broad-spectrum, water-resistant options designed for daily use.

Why Outdoor Workers Need More Than “Occasional” Sunscreen

One of the most common myths is that sunscreen is only needed when workers feel hot or when the sky is clear. The guide highlights that UV radiation:

• cannot be felt

• works silently and continuously

• reflects off common job surfaces (metal, concrete, water)

That’s why UV protection for outdoor workers must be treated like any other hazard control: consistent, planned, and built into procedures.

The strongest prevention approach combines:

1. Engineering controls: shade structures, modified work areas, shelter

2. Administrative controls: schedule changes, rotating tasks, UV checks

3. PPE: clothing, hats, sunglasses

4. Skin protection: sunscreen application and reapplication

EcoZinc fits into this framework as a practical, cost-effective sunscreen supply option for employers — especially those needing mineral sunscreen bulk supply for teams across multiple sites.

Workplace Responsibilities: Policies, Equipment, and Skin Checks

Sun safety is not just personal responsibility — it is a workplace safety requirement. The toolbox talk emphasises the role of workplace systems:

✅ “Follow your employer’s sun protection policies and procedures to reduce exposure to UVR. Use supplied protective equipment e.g. shade structures, clothing, sunscreen etc.”

It also recommends:

• “Get annual skin checks with a qualified health professional – watch for changes on your skin.”

What employers should provide

A strong worksite sun safety plan includes:

• Sunscreen stations (SPF 30+ or SPF 50+ broad-spectrum)

• Protective workwear suitable for heat + UV

• Wide brim or legionnaire hats

• Shade options for breaks and stationary tasks

• Training reminders (toolbox talks, posters, weekly UV index callouts)

If you’re managing large outdoor teams, using a consistent bulk sunscreen option matters — especially one that’s affordable sunscreen for schools and worksites alike. EcoZinc supports facilities and employers with non-nano zinc oxide sunscreen options suitable for sensitive skin and frequent daily use.

Team Discussion: Identify Risk Tasks and Fix Them Fast

The sun safety toolbox talk suggests a simple but powerful action step:

“What are our main sun safety risk factors at work? What jobs/tasks are we performing when we are at risk? What can we do about it?”

This works best when turned into a quick weekly checklist.

Example: High-risk tasks

• Working at height (roofing, scaffolding, solar installs)

• Roadside work (asphalt reflection + no shade)

• Civil works with prolonged stationary exposure

• Water-adjacent jobs (reflection increases UV)

Easy controls to implement

• Move tasks earlier where possible

• Put sunscreen reapplication into break schedules

• Use mobile shade (gazebos/umbrellas) for stationary tasks

• Stock sunscreen in every site vehicle

Why Zinc Oxide Matters for Works and Sensitive Skin

Many outdoor workers avoid sunscreen because it stings, causes breakouts, or feels heavy. Mineral sunscreen can help.

EcoZinc is positioned as an accessible bulk solution for workplaces because:

• It uses non-nano zinc oxide sunscreen formulas

• Zinc oxide is widely recognised for broad-spectrum protection

• It supports teams needing practical construction site sun protection with fewer skin complaints and easier compliance

• It’s designed for bulk supply, helping worksites maintain regular sunscreen access

When sunscreen is comfortable and available, people actually use it — and that’s the difference between policy and real protection.

Conclusion: Build Sun Safety Into Every Shift

Sun exposure is not optional for outdoor work — but skin cancer prevention can be. In Queensland, UV is consistently high, and as the guide makes clear: “Sun protection is required for three and above.”

The most effective approach combines:

• UV Index awareness

• Sun-protective clothing and PPE

• Shade where possible

• Broad-spectrum SPF applied correctly and reapplied every 2 hours

• Annual skin checks and early reporting of changes

Sun safety isn’t just comfort — it’s a long-term health investment and a workplace responsibility.

Contact EcoZinc for bulk pricing and free sun safety consultation for your centre/school/worksite