Occupational Hazard Information Sheet:
Outdoor Work
This information sheet has been developed using a variety of up to date source
information by the Occupational Health & Safety Unit to assist
you to gain a basic understanding of hazards related to outdoor work.
Introduction
Workers in outdoor settings are often exposed to a number of potential health
risks not necessarily directly associated with the tasks which they perform
such as heat and cold stress and exposure to UV radiation.
Thermal comfort
Whilst working in the outdoor setting, an individual’s thermal comfort is dependent
on a combination of environmental and personal factors. These include air temperature,
humidity, radiant temperature, air movement, the level of personal activity, clothing
worn, the body’s fluid and salt balance, physical fitness and acclimatisation.
Individual aspects also include personal perception, perspiration, fluid intake,
pre-existing medical conditions and medication. Each of these factors must be
considered when seeking to determine an acceptable thermal environment.
Heat stress occurs when more heat is being absorbed by the body than can be
dissipated. In the short term, concentration is affected which increases the likelihood
of accidents occurring and heat illness may develop. This may be in the form of
skin irritations (prickly heat), heat exhaustion or heat cramps. Severe illness
or heat stroke can occur, which may result in death if not addressed (see attached
Safeguards Information Sheet – Heat Stress).
Cold stress occurs when the rate of body heat lost exceeds the rate of heat
production. Cold related injuries include frostnip, frostbite, chilblains and
hypothermia which could lead to death if left unaddressed.
Thermal discomfort or stress can occur in any extreme conditions where adequate
temperature control or ventilation is not supplied. Where the weather tends to
warm or cool gradually over a period of weeks, workers should in general, become
acclimatised. Exposure to temperatures above 30°C or below 18°C does not
necessarily indicate heat or cold stress. An employee’s perception of thermal
comfort is an important factor in assessing thermal conditions in the workplace.
UV radiation
Exposure to ultraviolet radiation poses a considerable risk for outdoor workers.
There is a strong correlation between long-term exposure to UV radiation and a
number of eye and skin health risks. Possible eye injuries include inflammation
and swelling, increased sensitivity to light and later, damage to the cornea and
lens of the eye, including cataracts. Skin changes caused by long-term exposure
to UV rays include premature aging and wrinkling and a variety of skin disorders,
including skin cancer.
The risk of developing skin cancer has been related to the intensity and duration
of exposure to sunlight. Factors such as time of day, time of year, reflective
surfaces, amount of shade and altitude should be considered when determining risk.
Sun damage can occur even on cloudy days. Virtually all people in Australia are
at risk of skin cancer, but fair skinned people are particularly at risk.
What are the risks?
Occupational groups likely to be exposed to the above conditions include grounds
and maintenance staff, outdoor security workers, rural workers, those involved
in marine or field activities, building and construction workers and all those
required to perform work outdoors between the hours of 11.00am and 3.00pm (daylight
saving).
How can the risks be controlled?
If there is potential for thermal discomfort or exposure to UV radiation, it is
the responsibility of the Head of Department/Area to assess and take appropriate
action. Control measures may include adequate thermal control mechanisms,
rescheduling of outdoor work, where possible, to avoid exposure to UV radiation,
safe work practices and training, to ensure that all employees are made aware
of the risks and their own responsibilities in regard to control of thermal comfort
and radiation exposure. Personal protective measures such as type of clothing
worn and the adoption of a ‘sun smart’ philosophy should also be encouraged.
Further information
For further information regarding the control of this and other hazards
that may be associated with your work, you should speak with your immediate
supervisor, who will ensure that you fully understand any University-wide
and/or Departmental/Area specific procedures that are in place to protect your
health and safety.
You may also wish to refer to:
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