HSA urges extreme caution during hot weather

With temperatures soaring into the high 20's the Health and Safety Authority has urged workers to take extreme care.

Dr Dan Murphy, Manager of Occupational Health at the HSA, has warned those working outdoors to take appropriate precautions to protect their skin.

"When working outdoors a sunscreen should be applied. Sunscreens should be used everyday if you intend working out in the sun for more than 20 minutes. Sunscreens should be applied in the morning and reapplied after perspiring heavily."

However Dr Murphy emphasised that sunscreen is just one element of skin protection. "Although sunscreens are a very important part of maximum sun protection, wide brimmed hats, protective clothing and sun avoidance (between the hours of 10am and 4pm) are also important. With the right precautions, the chance of developing skin cancer can be greatly reduced," he said.

The hazards associated with higher temperatures may not just apply to those working in outdoors and the Authority has taken this opportunity to remind employers and workers of the importance of adequate ventilation and shade in all workplaces.

"For most workplaces opening windows or doors will provide adequate ventilation. Where mechanical ventilation or air-conditioning is provided the system should be checked regularly, kept clean and well maintained to prevent a growth of legionella bacteria or other organisms.

"Staff must be reminded that where a proper air conditioning system is installed this will not function if any doors or windows are left open," Dr Murphy concluded.

(MB)