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Persons working outdoor undertaking tasks in the sun for a long period of time without adequate breaks, shade or water can face serious dehydration and risk of a heat-related illness and death.

Tasks associated with working in an outdoor environment include:

• Erection of temporary shade structures or umbrellas;
• Wearing of suitable protective clothing and sunscreens to dispel harmful UV radiation e.g. long sleeved clothing, broad brim hats, etc;
• Selection and application of broad-spectrum sunscreens, creams and zinc's;
• Self examination for potential skin cancers;
• How to conduct a hazard identification of the immediate work area where a task is to be performed;
• How to assess the risk to persons working in an outdoor environment.

Control measures to eliminate or minimise the risk of death or injury to persons are addressed in the safe work method statement as per the following sections.

• Consultation with employees.
• Generation of hazards.
• Exposure to harmful UV radiation.
• Exposure due to no protective clothing or sunscreen.
• Excessive or prolonged exposure to the sun.
• Training requirements.
• Failure to monitor controls.
• Risk matrix and descriptors.
• Additional hazards, risks and controls.
• Approval and change management form.
• Sign-off for working outdoors.