Product Overview

Summary: This Sun Safety Safe Operating Procedure sets out clear, practical controls to protect workers from ultraviolet (UV) exposure while working in the Australian sun. It provides a structured approach to managing heat and UV risks, supporting WHS compliance and helping to prevent sunburn, heat stress, and long-term illnesses such as skin cancer.

Outdoor work in Australia presents a significant and often underestimated risk from ultraviolet (UV) radiation and heat exposure. This Sun Safety Safe Operating Procedure provides a comprehensive, step-by-step framework for managing those risks across diverse outdoor workplaces, including construction sites, civil works, parks and gardens, utilities, mining, agriculture, and events. It translates WHS obligations into clear, practical instructions that workers and supervisors can consistently follow on a day-to-day basis.

The SOP covers everything from pre-start planning, UV and heat risk assessment, and scheduling of work, through to mandatory control measures such as shade, hydration, rest breaks, PPE, and sunscreen use. It also outlines how to manage vulnerable workers, recognise early signs of heat stress and sun-related illness, and respond appropriately in an emergency. By implementing this SOP, organisations can reduce the incidence of sunburn and heat stress, support long-term skin cancer prevention, and demonstrate due diligence in line with Australian WHS legislation and guidance specific to working in the sun.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of sunburn, heat stress, and long-term skin damage for outdoor workers.
• Ensure a consistent, organisation-wide approach to managing UV and heat exposure in line with WHS duties.
• Demonstrate due diligence and support compliance with Australian WHS legislation and guidance on working in the sun.
• Strengthen worker awareness, training, and engagement around sun safety behaviours.
• Minimise productivity losses, absenteeism, and potential compensation claims arising from sun and heat-related illness.

Who is this for?

• WHS Managers
• Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
• Site Supervisors and Leading Hands
• Construction Project Managers
• Facilities and Grounds Maintenance Managers
• Operations Managers
• Human Resources Managers
• Outdoor Crew Leaders and Team Leaders
• Local Government Works Supervisors
• Agricultural and Horticultural Managers
• Mining and Resources Supervisors
• Event and Venue Operations Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation leading to sunburn and increased skin cancer risk
• Heat stress, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke
• Dehydration due to prolonged work in hot conditions
• Eye damage from glare and UV exposure
• Reduced concentration and fatigue increasing the likelihood of accidents
• Exacerbation of pre-existing medical conditions due to heat
• Photosensitivity reactions from certain medications or chemicals

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Terms (UV index, heat stress, shade, etc.)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBUs, supervisors, workers, HSRs)
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Guidance
• 5.0 Risk Assessment for Sun and Heat Exposure
• 6.0 Hierarchy of Controls for Sun Safety
• 7.0 Work Planning and Scheduling (UV index and heat considerations)
• 8.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
• 9.0 Sunscreen Selection, Application and Re-application Procedures
• 10.0 Shade, Rest Breaks and Hydration Protocols
• 11.0 Managing Vulnerable Workers and Medical Conditions
• 12.0 Recognition of Signs and Symptoms of Heat and Sun-Related Illness
• 13.0 Emergency Response and First Aid for Heat Stress and Severe Sunburn
• 14.0 Training, Induction and Worker Consultation
• 15.0 Monitoring, Inspection and Review of Sun Safety Controls
• 16.0 Record Keeping and Documentation Requirements

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 and equivalent state and territory WHS Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Guidance Material: Sun protection for outdoor workers
• Safe Work Australia – Guide for managing the risks of working in heat
• Cancer Council Australia – National Sun Protection Standard for Workplaces (guidance)
• AS/NZS 4399: Sun protective clothing – Evaluation and classification
• AS/NZS 1067.1: Eye and face protection – Sunglasses and fashion spectacles
• AS/NZS 2604: Sunscreen products – Evaluation and classification