Sun Safety and UV Toolbox Talk
Outdoor workers get far more sun than most people, and skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in construction. UV damage adds up every day, even when it is cloudy or cool. Protecting your skin takes a few seconds and is the easiest win of the day.
Takes about 5 minutes.
Key points to read out
- Check the UV index. When it is 3 or above, use all five: slip on clothing, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat, seek shade and slide on sunglasses.
- Use broad spectrum, water resistant SPF 50+ sunscreen. Put it on 20 minutes before going out and reapply every 2 hours.
- Wear long sleeved shirts with a collar and long trousers. Light, loose fabrics keep you cool too.
- Fit a brim and neck flap to your hard hat.
- Wear safety glasses that block UV, preferably wrap around.
- UV reflects off concrete, metal roofs, water and sand, so you get more than you think.
- Use shade for breaks and set up shade over fixed work areas where you can.
- Check your skin regularly. See a doctor about any new spot or one that changes shape, size or colour.
Questions to ask the crew
- What is the UV index today?
- Where is the sunscreen kept on this site?
- When did you last reapply?
- Has anyone noticed a spot on their skin that has changed?
Run this one now. It is summer in Australia, the time of year this talk matters most. Updated .
Sign-in sheet
Print this page or download the sign-in sheet. Or run it in the app and the crew signs on the phone.
| Name | Company | Signature |
|---|---|---|
Get it signed
Run this talk in the app. The crew signs on your phone and you get a dated attendance record as a PDF.