Inclusión de la Mujer en el Municipio de Restrepo

note

It is essential that an assessment of existing

Chapter 5 contains a step by step approach

exposure assessments For each group of employees, an assessment should be made of the solar UV radiation to which they are likely to be exposed. This should include identification of the tasks with the time of day they are carried out and the period involved. The greatest risk occurs during 11am and 4pm during summer.

Other factors that may influence exposure to UV radiation should also be identified. These may include the shade provided by the working environment, reflective surfaces such as water, snow or bright building surfaces or any photosensitising substances associated with the work.

minimising exposure Employers should ensure the risk posed by exposure to solar radiation is minimised. In some instances this may be achieved by taking actions such as simply changing the time of day when a task is carried out. This is the preferred option, but where this is not practical, protection should be provided.

Where a job involves the use of large-scale, mechanical equipment, protective shade could be provided, for example:

• tractors, cranes, road-making equipment and the like should be fitted with transparent anti-glare UVR protective material surrounding the cabins

• trucks should be fitted with shade annexes to provide shaded work and rest areas

• boats should be fitted with shade canopies and awnings.

job organisation If a job involves both indoor and outdoor work, the potential for

excessive solar exposure may be reduced by working indoors between 11 am and 4 pm during summer months.

further reading

• OSH. Guidance notes for the protection of workers from solar ultraviolet radiation. Occupational Safety and Health Service New Zealand, Wellington,1994. • OSH. Learn the basic steps to make your workplace

safer. Occupational Safety and Health Service New Zealand, Wellington, 1999.

• OSH. What you need to know about temperature In places of work. Occupational Safety and Health Service New Zealand, Wellington, 1997.

shade Wherever possible, use should be made of natural shade, such as that provided by buildings and trees. If there is no natural shade available, then it may be feasible to erect temporary shade in the form of a canopy or screen. Structures can range from an adjustable umbrella, to a simple awning, through to a demountable structure. Some structures may offer commercial benefits by permitting work to continue during wet weather.

Glass is also partly effective in reducing the level of UV radiation. However, it is still possible to get sun-damaged skin while behind glass and additional personal protection may be needed.

Adequate shade should be provided over outdoor/lunch/teabreak areas and meeting places, especially at times when UVR levels are high, ie during the middle part of the day.

personal protection Personal protection is an important component in any plan to control exposure to solar radiation. An effective plan will usually involve protective clothing, hat and a sunscreen.

training and education Training should be provided when an exposure assessment has identified a need for action to minimise workers exposure to solar UV radiation. Training should be ongoing and focused on those responsible for organising outdoor work, new employees and those who are receiving prolonged exposure to solar UV radiation. Training should cover:

• awareness of the effects of solar UV radiation • promotion of ways of minimise the risk

• the availability of information on the early detection of skin cancer by self checking.

New Zealand and Australia have the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Melanoma and other skin cancers, which are almost completely preventable, constitute a serious public health problem in New Zealand, for which public authorities should assume responsibility. The costs of not doing so are

considerable. As well as the loss of life, pain and suffering caused by skin cancer, it is an expensive disease, costing the country around $30 million a year in direct health expenditure.1

Public authorities in New Zealand lag behind their Australian counterparts in addressing this important health problem. In New South Wales, the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1983 obliges employers to protect the health and safety of employees. According to the WorkCover Authority of New South Wales, this means employees who work outside must be protected against the effects of excessive solar UVR exposure through a range of measures including the provision of shade.

There will inevitably be differing views as to the appropriate degree of intervention by the state, as opposed to the individual’s freedom of action. However, as in the reform of public policy on smoking, which brought about the Smokefree

Environments Act in 1990, it could be accepted that a serious public health problem demands an appropriate degree of intervention by Government (and therefore public authorities).

It is generally accepted there is a need to provide a safe environment for children. In this respect, greater initiatives should be taken to provide shade in schools, public parks, sports grounds and swimming pools, where children spend a large part of their time.

It is possible that public authorities may be found liable for not providing shade, and warnings about skin cancer. In addition to owing a general duty of care at common law, there may well be particular statutory duties that are incumbent on councils or other public authorities which could found liability. Breach of either of these could result in liability being visited on public authorities.

However, in the face of growing evidence about the risks of melanoma and skin cancer from exposure to UVR, public authorities should be anxious to take appropriate steps to prevent further damage, especially to children, by pursuing policies now for the provision of shade in outdoor spaces under their management and control.

* Information supplied by KPMG Legal.

New Zealand Institute of Architects