ISO 24444 / ISO 24443 EU COLIPA and SANS 1557 Verified Broadspectrum Sunscreens
Sunscreen in the Workplace
Every South African employee has the right to work in a safe environment where their job does not pose any health or safety risks. Unfortunately, in South Africa, this is not always possible, as working in the harsh South African sun can lead to skin damage and potentially melanoma.
As an employer, providing adequate UV protection is not just good practice—it's a legal requirement under South African law.
Legal Requirements for Employers
Under Section 9 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1993, it is every employer's duty to comply with the following:
"Every employer shall conduct his undertaking in such a manner as to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, that persons other than those in his employment who may be directly affected by his activities are not thereby exposed to hazards to their health or safety."
As it is practically impossible to avoid sun exposure in industries such as construction, fishing, open-cast mining, and tourism, it is the employer's responsibility to ensure that staff are protected from the sun and sun-related health risks.
While sunscreen does not offer 100% protection against all sun-related skin conditions and cancers, research has shown it makes a significant difference in reducing risk. From a liability perspective, providing appropriate sun protection demonstrates that the employer is acting in a reasonable and practical manner to ensure workers' skin safety, significantly reducing the risk of claims related to workplace sun damage.
Workplace Sunscreen Solutions
KoolaSun offers practical solutions for workplace sun protection:
- 25-Liter Buckets: Used to refill soap-type dispensers, allowing staff to apply sunscreen in the cloakroom and reapply when using toilet facilities
- 1-Liter Pump Bottles: More portable bulk sunscreen option for workplaces requiring flexibility
- Custom Dispensers: Wall-mounted solutions for high-traffic areas
- Specialized Formulations: Products designed for specific industries and exposure types
Industrial Type Sunscreen Dispenser
High-Risk Industries for UV Exposure
Industries Typically Non-Compliant with UV Radiation Hazards
- Welding and Engineering: Arc welding produces significant UV radiation
- Construction: Workers spend extended periods outdoors
- Open-Cast Mining: Continuous exposure in remote locations
- Airport Runway Workers: Direct sun exposure on reflective surfaces
- Municipal Outdoor Workers: Road maintenance, parks, sanitation
- Printing Industry: Exposure to UV-curing lights and blacklights
- Agriculture: Farm workers with all-day sun exposure
- Fishing and Maritime: Sun reflection from water intensifies exposure
Specialized UV Protection Solutions
Welding Barrier Cream
Electric arc welding and most other types of welding where metal is vaporized emit significant radiation in the UV spectrum. It is essential that all exposed skin areas on welders, such as the neck and face, are protected from welding radiation.
Kool-a-Sun manufactures specialized welding barrier cream and can supply it in bulk for dispensers or in 1-liter pump-top bottles. This specialized formulation is designed to:
- Block UVA, UVB, and UVC radiation produced during welding
- Provide a physical barrier against metal particles
- Include moisturizers to counteract the drying effects of welding heat
- Be easily applied and removed at the end of shifts
Black Light Protection
Black light, otherwise known as UVA lighting, is commonly used to speed up ink drying in the printing industry. These lights emit long-wavelength UVA radiation which penetrates deep into the skin, causing irreversible damage over time.
Kool-a-Sun manufactures a specialized UV barrier cream with moisturizers specifically designed to protect workers in the printing industry from harmful radiation they can be exposed to in the workplace. This formulation:
- Targets the specific UVA wavelengths used in printing processes
- Contains additional moisturizers to combat the drying environment
- Is non-greasy and doesn't transfer to materials or paper
- Provides all-day protection with minimal reapplication required
Benefits of Workplace UV Protection Programs
- Legal Compliance: Meet Occupational Health and Safety Act requirements
- Reduced Absenteeism: Fewer sick days due to sunburn and associated conditions
- Improved Productivity: Workers who aren't suffering from sunburn are more productive
- Lower Long-term Health Costs: Prevention of serious conditions like skin cancer
- Enhanced Corporate Image: Demonstrates care for employee wellbeing
- Risk Mitigation: Reduces potential for future liability claims
Protect Your Workforce from UV Hazards
KoolaSun provides comprehensive workplace UV protection solutions tailored to your industry's specific needs. Contact our workplace safety specialists to discuss your requirements: