Sun Safety in Australia: Protecting Our Workforce Under the Harshest Conditions

As we approach Australia Day, it’s a time to reflect on what makes our country unique, from its resilient people to its demanding environments. One thing every Australian knows well is the intensity of our sun, and for those working in high-risk, outdoor and industrial environments, sun exposure is more than a discomfort, it’s a serious safety issue.

At the Australian Well Control Centre (AWCC), safety isn’t seasonal. Sun safety is an essential part of protecting workers year-round, particularly across industries such as oil & gas, energy, mining, construction and emergency response.

Why Sun Safety Matters in High-Risk Industries

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. For workers exposed to prolonged outdoor conditions, UV radiation can lead to:

• Skin cancer and long-term health risks

• Heat stress and dehydration

• Reduced concentration and decision-making ability

• Increased fatigue, raising the risk of incidents and near-misses

In high-hazard environments, even minor lapses in concentration can have serious consequences. Managing sun exposure is not just about comfort — it’s about maintaining operational safety and performance

Practical Sun Safety Measures on Site

Sun safety should be embedded into daily work practices and site planning. Key controls include:

☀️ Protective Clothing & PPE

• Long-sleeve, UV-rated workwear

• Wide-brim or hard-hat–compatible sun protection

• Safety sunglasses with UV protection

💧 Hydration & Heat Management

• Regular hydration breaks

• Access to shaded rest areas

• Monitoring workers for early signs of heat stress

🕶️ Sunscreen as PPE

• SPF 50+ (or higher), water-resistant sunscreen

• Applied before work and reapplied throughout the shift

🧠 Awareness & Training

• Educating workers on UV risks

• Encouraging early reporting of heat-related symptoms

• Promoting shared responsibility for wellbeing on site

Sun Safety and Decision-Making

At AWCC, we understand that environmental stressors,. including heat and sun exposure, directly impact human performance and decision-making. Fatigue and discomfort can affect situational awareness, reaction times and risk perception.

This is why our training programs don’t just focus on technical competency, but also on human factors, safety behaviours and the conditions that influence real-world outcomes.

Australia Day: A Reminder to Look After Each Other

Australia Day is about community, resilience and looking out for one another, values that align closely with AWCC’s safety culture. Whether on-site, in training, or enjoying time outdoors with family and friends, sun safety should always be front of mind.

By taking proactive steps to manage sun exposure, we protect not only ourselves but our crews, our operations and our future.

Stay Safe. Stay Prepared.

At the Australian Well Control Centre, we are committed to delivering training that prepares people for the realities of working in Australia’s toughest conditions.

👉 To learn more about our safety-focused training programs or upcoming courses, visit wellcontrolcentre.com.au/courses or contact our team today.

← All AWCC Articles