Sun safe skin smart

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.cwu.org/news/archive/sun-saf ... smart.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;?

Concerns have been raised about CWU members working outdoors as temperatures during the summer months reach record highs. The union campaigns about the importance of safe working in extreme weather to make sure members are aware of the risks associated with overexposure to heat and sunshine.
CWU health and safety officer Dave Joyce cautions on the dangers, saying: "Working outdoors in hot summer months poses special hazards for outdoor workers who must be protected against heat stress, sun exposure, dehydration and other hazards.

We urge all our members to make the necessary provisions to work safely by covering up exposed areas of skin where possible, wear a factor of at least 15, but preferably 30, sunscreen and make sure they have enough water on them when out on their rounds. I would also suggest taking short breaks in shaded areas if out during 11am - 15:00pm - the times when UV rays are most intense. Managers should be undertaking a severe weather risk assessment and making necessary adjustments and giving staff advice and safety instructions.

"If you are unsure about any of the advice provided speak to your health and safely rep before you head outdoors," he added.

The FIVE S's of Sun Safety

The main cause of skin cancer is exposure to sunlight or sunbeds. Remember, it is not just sunbathing that puts people at risk, but just being in the sun without adequate protection. If you take part in outdoor hobbies or sport or you have an outdoor job you will be at greater risk.

To keep safe and make sure you never burn you should follow the 5 S's of Sun Safety:-

1. SUNSCREEN Apply a good quality SPF 30+ sunscreen, with broad spectrum UVA protection - a minimum of 3* rating, making sure you use enough and reapply every 2 hours.

2. SUNHAT Always wear a broad-brimmed hat that shades your face, neck and ears.

3. SUNGLASSES Wear wrap-around sunglasses with UV protection to give your eyes adequate protection from the sun's rays.

4. SHOULDERS Wear clothing that is UV protective if possible and always try and keep your shoulders covered up.

5. SHADE Always seek shade, particularly during the hottest time of the day between 11am-3pm.

Early Detection

Detecting skin cancers early save lives - FACT! Particularly in the case of Melanoma, the deadliest form of the disease. It is important to check your skin regularly for signs of change, and consult your doctor immediately if you detect any changes particularly with moles, or are unsure of any unusual marks, patches, sores or spots, no matter how small they are.

Look after your skin, stay safe in the sun! Don't become a statistic and enjoy the sun safely.

Remember:-
Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which causes premature skin damage and skin cancer
Skin Cancer death rates are now higher in the UK than in Australia
A sun tan isn't a sign of good health - it means the skin is already damaged
There are no safe UV rays or safe suntans
Melanoma skin Cancer is curable if diagnosed and detected early
A Cancer Research UK survey revealed that almost half of British people (46 per cent) got sunburnt
Remember - Just 10 minutes in strong sunshine is all it takes to burn pale skin
Sunburn increases the risk of skin cancer

[glenfiddich]

I would also suggest taking short breaks in shaded areas if out during 11am - 15:00pm - the times when UV rays are most intense.

yeah that will go down real well when we just got told they want nother 230 hours out the office

[Speedmeister]

What a load of bollocks - it didn't stop us having to absorb on the hottest day of the year!

[gand]

Yip this whole post is a load of bollocks the facts are that even with sun cream on you should not be in the sun at its peak time for prolonged periods of time! How does royal mail and the cwu handle this? That's right they make us stay out even longer. Its not safe to walk around in 27-30 degrees heat for hours!

[donein]

Yip this whole post is a load of bollocks the facts are that even with sun cream on you should not be in the sun at its peak time for prolonged periods of time! How does royal mail and the cwu handle this? That's right they make us stay out even longer. Its not safe to walk around in 27-30 degrees heat for hours!

[Nigel1505]

http://www.hse.gov.uk/temperature/thermal/managers.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; . Applies to all employers, apart from, RM it appears.

[clashcityrocker]

http://www.hse.gov.uk/temperature/thermal/managers.htm . Applies to all employers, apart from, RM it appears.

It does apply to RM - but that is about workplace (indoor) temperatures.
Your workplace shouldn't be too hot.
There isn't one for outdoor temperatures.

[Nigel1505]

http://www.hse.gov.uk/temperature/thermal/managers.htm . Applies to all employers, apart from, RM it appears.

It does apply to RM - but that is about workplace (indoor) temperatures.
Your workplace shouldn't be too hot.
There isn't one for outdoor temperatures.

There is a minimum working temperature 68 degrees I think (after which protective clothing must be issued ie body warmers etc. but no maximum temp. But they must provide equipment to circulate the air, so many cubic feet per minute are/is changed. Our office relies on the front and back door being open to provide any air circulation to happen; so much for mail security. Anybody could walk into our office when they like.

[mlw]

Then why cant we come in at 430 and finish by 1130?

[TrueBlueTerrier]

LTB 482/14 CWU "Sun Smart - Skin Safe" Campaign - Advice on Sun Safety, Preventing Sunburn and Skin Cancer - Resources


To view this download, please click here
No. 482/14

Ref E4/14

Date: 21 July 2014


To: All Branches


Dear Colleagues

CWU "Sun Smart - Skin Safe" Campaign - Advice on Sun Safety, Preventing Sunburn and Skin Cancer - Resources


LTB issued to Date

Further to LTBs 513/13, LTB 514/13, LTB 515/13, LTB 517/13, LTB 523/14, LTB 254/14 and LTB 281/14, here is a summary of advice for members and list of resources for CWU Health and Safety Reps and Branches.

Exposure to Sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) radiation

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can cause skin damage including sunburn, blistering, skin ageing and in the long term can lead to skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK, with over 70,000 new cases diagnosed each year and 2000 deaths. UV radiation should be considered an occupational hazard for people who work outdoors. Over the past 20 years numbers of skin cancer have more than doubled. Non-melanoma skin cancer is the most common form of skin cancer. Non-melanoma skin cancer is usually easily and successfully treated. Malignant melanoma (melanoma) is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Melanoma can be successfully treated if it is detected sufficiently early. It is estimated that four out of five of all UK skin cancers are preventable and that around 80% of melanomas are caused by exposure to the sun. By enjoying the sun safely, taking care not to burn and by also avoiding sunbeds, people can reduce the risk of developing skin cancer.

The simple message to all CWU Members

So the simple message to all CWU Members is "Be Sun Smart and Skin Safe" - Sunburn increases the risk of skin cancer. Don't let sunburn catch you out - whether at work, at home, on holiday or abroad, use shade, clothing and a factor 30 sunscreen applied generously and regularly to protect your skin from sunburn and reduce the risk of skin cancer." Would all CWU Health and Safety Reps and All CWU Branches pass this message onto members.

Resources:-

"Keep your top on"

Health risks from working in the sun - Advice for outdoor workers. INDG147- a 3 page Information Leaflet Published by the Health and Safety Executive and the Health Departments in England, Scotland and Wales (pdf Copy attached).

Sun Protection - Advice for employers of Outdoor Workers

INDG337 - a pocket sized pamphlet published by the Health and Safety Executive for employers or managers responsible for people whose work keeps them outside for most of the day, giving advice on reducing the health risks for employees when they are working in the sun. It warns that exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun should be considered an occupational hazard for people who work outdoors. (pdf Copy attached).


NHS & Cancer Research 'Skin Cancer' Poster (SS004)

This poster is intended for display in treatment or consulting rooms. It is designed to assist GPs and nurses in the recognition of suspicious skin lesions. It is very graphic and informative. However, it's not a substitute for expert diagnosis. (pdf Copy attached).

Skin Cancer in The UK - The Facts - Report

Skin Cancer is the most common cancer in the UK and is rising to epidemic proportions - this report explains why action is needed to stop this preventable cancer. An excellent comprehensive 25 Page Report. This 'campaigning for action' report is produced by 'Skin Cancer UK', initiated and supported by the 'All-Party Parliamentary Group on Skin', 'SKCIN' (The Karen Clifford Skin Cancer Charity), Skin Care Campaign, British

Dermatology Nursing Group (skin cancer sub-group) and BASCSN (British Association of Skin Cancer Specialist Nurses). (pdf copy attached).

Be Sunsmart - Cut Your Cancer Risk - Cancer Research Pamphlet (ED089c)

In this leaflet you can find out about how to reduce the risk of skin cancer and when you need to protect your skin. The leaflet warns to avoid both too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and to avoid sunbeds - the main cause of skin cancer. (pdf copy attached).

British Skin Foundation - Skin Cancer Facts and Information

Information 'Fact Sheet'. (pdf copy attached).

CWU " Sun Smart & Skin Safe" Campaign Pocket Fact Cards and Posters.

These cards and posters have been produced for CWU Branches, for distribution to all our outdoor workers and workplaces as part of our Union's campaign to lift the awareness of our members to the now very serious growing risk of sun burn and skin cancer as well as heat stress, stroke and dehydration. Branches can order supplies of the pocket fact cards and posters from the Health, Safety & Environment Dept at CWU Headquarters.

Prices are:-

CWU " Sun Smart - Skin Safe Pocket Fact Cards are £56 per 1000 plus P&P and

CWU " Sun Smart - Skin Safe posters are £140 per 1000 plus p&p.

(pdf copies of both attached).

Advice to Members:-


How to be Sun Smart and Skin Safe.

Stay in the shade as much as possible between 11 and 3 when the Sun is most dangerous in the middle of the day - find shade under umbrellas, trees, canopies or indoors.

Make sure you never burn - sunburn can double your risk of skin cancer.

Always cover up - wear a t-shirt, wide brimmed hat and sunglasses (eyes get sun damaged too).

Use a Sunscreen/Sunblock Cream SPF15 minimum - SPF30 preferably. Apply it generously 15-30 minutes before you go outside (it doesn't work immediately), and reapply it often - as directed on the container.


The FIVE S's of Sun Safety

The main cause of skin cancer is exposure to sunlight or sunbeds. Remember, it is not just sunbathing that puts people at risk, but just being in the sun without adequate protection. If you have an outdoor job and work outside most of the time and/or take part in outdoor hobbies or sport such as golf, cricket, bowls, fishing or gardening, or you will be at greater risk. To keep safe and make sure you NEVER BURN you should follow the 5 S's of Sun Safety:-


1. SUNSCREEN - Apply a good quality SPF 30+ sunscreen, with broad spectrum UVA protection - a minimum of 3* rating, making sure you use enough and reapply every 2 hours.

2. SUNHAT - Always wear a broad-brimmed hat that shades your face, neck and ears.

3. SUNGLASSES - Wear wrap-around sunglasses with UV protection to give your eyes adequate protection from the sun's rays.

4. SHOULDERS - 'cover-up' - Wear clothing that is UV protective if possible and always try and keep your neck and shoulders covered up.

5. SHADE - Always seek shade, take breaks, particularly during the hottest time of the day between 11am-3pm. Drink plenty of water.

Early Detection

Detecting skin cancers early save lives - FACT! Particularly in the case of Melanoma, the deadliest form of the disease. It is important to check your skin regularly for signs of change, and consult your doctor immediately if you detect any changes particularly with moles, or are unsure of any unusual marks, patches, sores or spots, no matter how small they are.

Look after your skin, stay safe in the sun! - Don't become a statistic and enjoy the sun SAFELY.

For further information about the prevention and early detection of skin cancer and to find out more about the charity Skcin, visit their Website at:- http://www.skcin.org/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;



Yours sincerely


Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

[gand]

Still a poor response from the cwu. Lapsing should not take place on extremely hot days at least(which are few in the UK) and let's remember it was royal mail who changed our working patterns so that wee are out longer during peak time's they should be supplying the sun cream and water. Wee get a wet jacket supplied if it rains so why not sun cream/water In extreme temperatures? In my view skin cancer kills rain does not.

[blisterfeet]

It's just done so the cwu can be seen to be doing something handing out bits of paper, how is that going to protect us.

[gand]

It's just done so the cwu can be seen to be doing something handing out bits of paper, how is that going to protect us.

Exactly every medical expert knows that you are at high risk of getting skin cancer when exposure the UV. The cwu wants to put a few posters up to tell you all about it but still want you to go out and deliver in it knowing you should not be. Total joke

[clashcityrocker]

Open question:
How many posties in your DO go out without using any sunscreen at all?
As a consequence how many are sunburned?

[gand]

Open question:
How many posties in your DO go out without using any sunscreen at all?
As a consequence how many are sunburned?

Around 95%. And your going to say the cwu are trying to make these people aware of the dangers? Which is a good thing. My point is the dangers are very very real that you should avoid the sun at peak times as you are at high risk of getting skin cancer even with protection on.