Sun safety for workersTop tips for employers

Hot harvest weather is prompting warnings to stay safe on the farm

Farmers are being reminded to ensure the safety of harvest workers this summer – especially those outdoors in hot temperatures.

Employers have a legal obligation to ensure the health and safety of everyone on their worksite – including employees, contractors and other people who could be impacted by their work.

Employers should prepare for harvest by conducting a risk assessment – especially ahead of hot weather – to consider whether employees can work safely. This includes temporary workers and students.

“Consider the predicted temperatures, workload and schedule for each day as well as the age and vulnerability of your workers,” says Gavin Scarr Hall, health and safety director at human resources advisers Peninsula.

“Once the risks have been identified, employers should take necessary precautions to limit them as much as possible. As well as having a legal obligation to do so, it’s in employers’ best interests.

“Heat related illnesses and injuries can result in long-term absences when not managed effectively, leading to loss of productivity, missed deadlines and higher levels of employee turnover.”

Here are a few ways employers and staff can protect themselves in the sun:

It can be tempting to remove excess articles of clothing to try and beat the heat. However, extra layers of protective clothing are a great way to avoid skin from excessive exposure and block UV rays.

If heat is an issue, and extra clothing poses a greater risk, then provide staff with plenty of sun cream. This should be reapplied every two hours to ensure its effectiveness.

Although usually mild, sunburn does carry risk. If skin starts to blister, fills with fluid, or the person gets a fever, then seek medical attention immediately.

Dehydration can be very dangerous, especially in a role that involves vigorous movement or exercise.

To avoid dehydration, make sure employees have plenty of cool water and you remind them to keep drinking before, during and after work.

Caffeinated and fizzy drinks can also cause dehydration, so should not be relied on as the only source of sustenance. Encourage staff to drink water as much as possible.

Ideally, workers should avoid direct sunlight, though this can be unavoidable when working outdoors. If you’re not able to provide shade, then try to adjust working hours to cooler times or cloudy days.

Checking the UV index each day can help ensure that you have adequate protective measures in place. If the index is very high on certain days, then you know that your staff will need to take particular care.

Where it isn’t possible to reschedule the work entirely, frequent rest breaks can help minimise the risk of heat-related illness, particularly heat stroke.

Heat stroke occurs when core body temperature approaches 41°C, affecting the nervous system and the body’s ability to regulate temperature. In some cases, heat stroke carries a risk of death from cardiac or respiratory arrest.

It can also lead to liver failure, so must always be treated as an emergency. Frequent breaks in the shade or cooler areas will allow the body to cool down, minimising the risk of dangerously high internal temperatures.

Encourage employees to check their skin regularly for any new unusual moles or spots. Moles or freckles that seem to be changing in size, shape or colour could be an early indication of skin cancer.

There are many online services that can help with tracking skin changes or abnormalities. These can often be downloaded directly to an employee’s devices, providing an extra level of security.

However, anyone who notices any of these changes should see their GP or occupational health services immediately.