Working in the sun

To protect health from excessive sun exposure, Lovell requires workers to adhere to the following measures:
• Wear appropriate clothing to shield against harmful solar radiation.
• Regularly apply sunscreen to any exposed skin.
• When possible, coordinate with management to avoid outdoor work between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., when UV radiation is strongest, even on cloudy days.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Regularly check skin for unusual moles or spots, and consult a doctor promptly if changes in shape, size, colour, itching, or bleeding are noticed.

The wearing of shorts on our construction projects is subject to risk assessment; considerations need to include specific task hazards that may result in cuts and scratches, grazes, splinters etc. where skin damage can lead to infection.

Some trades will need to keep lower legs covered for other reasons, for example to prevent chemical burns from cement based materials during concrete pours. Regularly apply sunscreen to any exposed skin.

NOTE: Some regions prohibit the wearing of shorts and their rules supersede the above.

Measures to manage heat include scheduling work during cooler periods, offering shaded rest areas, ensuring access to cool water, and educating workers on heat stress. There is currently no legal maximum temperature, but heat must be managed as a hazard.

Heat stress occurs when the body cannot regulate its temperature, influenced by factors like work rate, humidity, and clothing. Symptoms range from concentration difficulties and muscle cramps to heat stroke, which can be fatal. Regularly assess work conditions and monitor workers for early signs of heat stress.

Subcontractors are expected to cooperate with management to implement these guidelines effectively.