We love summer here in Australia, but every year people are ignoring warnings about the dangers of being out in the sun. Cancer Council Australia figures estimate that around 126,800 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed this year, and a staggering 80 per cent of those will be skin cancer.
When you're working outside this summer, whether laying some pavers around your home or building a new deck, it's more important than ever that you take the necessary precautions.
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Your first (and still best) line of defense against the harmful UV radiation of the sun remains the simplest - covering yourself up. Shielding your skin with a T-shirt, sunscreen, hats and sunglasses, as well as seeking shade during sunshine hours, are all essential steps for minimising your risk of sunburn, the cause of 95 per cent of melanomas.
If you're carrying out DIY work on your own home, obviously it's your responsibility to take care of yourself. On a worksite however, it's possible that you are also responsible for the safety of others while working outdoors. Cancer Council Australia offers resources to help you be sun smart on the worksite, including how to assess risk and implement sun protection control measures.
Protecting your employees can be as simple as stringing up a few tarpaulins in open areas where there is little shade from trees or buildings. At Kennards Hire, we have the equipment you'll need to install either temporary or permanent sun protection, so come in and get advice before starting work.
Being sun smart doesn't mean we have to hide ourselves away, it's just a matter of adapting to Australia's sometimes extreme conditions. Knowing how to prevent solar exposure can not only save you from a painful sunburn, but can ultimately save your life, or even someone else's.