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Light commits to slip, slop, slap

Located north of Adelaide, Light Regional Council is educating its outdoor workforce on the dangers of UV radiation, heat stress and wet weather. In line with Council's Occupational Healthy, Safety and Welfare Policy, all employees are inducted and regularly trained in the principles of skin cancer and heat stress, including legislative requirements and the benefits of good physical fitness. Managers receive appropriate training in managing work in the heat, for example: acclimatisation programs identification of indicators of heat stress the appropriate application of preventative measures the effects of heat stress on work performance and the health of employees identification of hazards which may be aggravated by heat stress. Light's Risk Management Officer, Ted Wojtkowski, said inclement weather includes abnormal climatic weather conditions, such as heat, cold, rain, wind and fog.

"We don't have a set temperature to cease work, as this can expose workers to hazardous conditions," he said. "The work supervisor decides if and when work is to cease owing to inclement weather.

"For example, with the recent high levels of humidity, workers have stopped work at temperatures between 32 and 34 degrees, as conditions become uncomfortable. Management fully support this policy and are dedicated to providing appropriate resources, training and assistance to supervisory staff to ensure it is implemented and maintained."

Council provides its outdoor work crews with hats, long sleeved shirts, sunscreen and sunglasses to maximise protection from the sun.

Ted Wojtkowski said the Local Government Association of South Australia, through its mutual liability scheme, has also made a doctor available to all South Australian Councils. The doctor comes out to Council offices to provide sun smart and skin care information and also checks workers for skin cancers.

Ted Wojtkowski said staff have responded well to these initiatives.

"Interest is now high, as people become more aware of the dangers of skin cancer," he said. "Last year, we exceeded our quota for the number of people available to participate in the LGA sessions by 30 per cent.

"Council agreed to pay the extra costs so that all staff members had access to the service."

For further information contact Ted Wojtkowski on (08) 8525 3200.

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