7 sun safety tips for Aussies who work outdoors


Published January 2025 
Expert contributor Dr Andrew Miller, dermatologist
Words by Sabrina Rogers-Anderson


Did you know Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world? Aussies who work outdoors are at increased risk because they get up to 10 times the UV exposure of indoor workers. Yet nearly a quarter of tradies don’t wear enough sunscreen in summer and some don’t wear it all in winter.

We all know about sunscreen, but there lots of other things hardworking Aussies who work outside can do to to protect themselves from the sun. Here’s what you need to know.

What causes skin cancer? 

Most skin cancers in Australia are caused by exposure to UV radiation – a form of energy from the sun. There are two types of UV light – Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB). Both can cause skin cancer, sunburn, premature ageing and eye damage. 

An easy way to check UV levels is with the free SunSmart app. While the general rule (and handy rhyme) is, ‘Whenever the index hits three, cover up from UV’, we should be protecting ourselves whenever we’re outdoors to avoid UV damage adding up over time. 

The Cancer Council’s famous Slip, Slop, Slap campaign got an upgrade. It’s now a helpful checklist to make sure you’re covering all bases when it comes to sun protection.

  • Slip on clothing that covers as much skin as possible (think long-sleeved shirts).
  • Slop on broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF50 or SPF50+. 
  • Slap on a hat that shades the face, head, ears and neck – like a broad-brimmed, legionnaire or bucket-style hat. 
  • Seek shade when you can, but especially during the middle of the day.
  • Slide on close-fitting, wraparound sunglasses that meet the Australian Standard.

Choosing the right sunscreen

“The best sunscreen is the one you use all the time, so try a few until you find one your skin will tolerate and that won't run into your eyes and irritate them,” says dermatologist Dr Andrew Miller. “Always use a sunscreen that’s SPF50+ and broad spectrum, which means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.” 

You can choose a chemical sunscreen that absorbs UV rays (the most common type) or a mineral sunscreen that reflects UV rays, but either way check it’s been TGA approved by looking for the Australian standard (you’ll see this as AS/NZS 2604:2012) on the label.

To apply your sunscreen the right way, Dr Miller says to use a generous amount (about 7 teaspoons for your whole body) at least 20 minutes before you go outside. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

7 ways to be sun smart when you work outdoors

Apart from wearing sunscreen every day, here are Dr Miller’s other sun safety tips for Aussies who work outside.

1. Time your outdoor work: “Work in the shade or indoors at the peak of the day if you can,” says Dr Miller.

2. Wear sun-protection clothing: Clothing with UV protection – known as UPF – is the ideal choice for outdoor workers. This includes everything from pants and tops to hats and sun-protection sleeves. “Wearing long sleeves and long pants is important, but they shouldn’t be too loose because they could get in the way or caught in machinery,” he explains. 

3. Use hard-hat sun protection: “Attachable brims and flaps for hard hats are an excellent idea,” says Dr Miller. But, he adds, you’ll need to check whether this kind of protection is right for your job.   

4. Wear the right sunglasses or safety glasses: Choose close-fitting, wraparound sunnies and safety glasses that meet the Australian Standard.

5. Protect your hands: If your hands are exposed to the sun a lot, try wearing gloves or reapplying sunscreen during the day.

6. Stay on top of your skin checks: It’s important for everyone to keep a close eye on their skin – especially if you work outside. “If you have several risk factors for skin cancer, such as very fair skin, a lot of past sun exposure or a family history of skin cancer, see your GP for a skin check,” says Dr Miller. “They’ll give you an idea of your risk and how often to get checked. You can also check your own skin for changes every three to four months, he adds. Use a handheld mirror to look at your back. If you notice any changes in your skin or with moles, sunspots or freckles, see your doctor.

7. Do your research: If you work outdoors, the Cancer Council has a helpful SunSmart Tradie Toolbox with advice, downloadable sun safety posters for your workplace and a practical assessment tool to see if you’re doing enough to protect yourself. 

How to be sun safe on your days off

Whether you spend your downtime gardening, watching outdoor sport, relaxing at the beach with the kids, hosting backyard barbecues, don’t forget to Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide. 

According to Dr Miller, you can further protect yourself by following these tips.

  • Rig up shade where possible – even a tarp over the picnic table can help.
  • Wear shirts with long sleeves and wide-brimmed hats. 
  • Limit your sun exposure during the peak UV hours of 11am to 3pm during summer– check the UV rating on the SunSmart app if you need a hand.
  • Choose indoor venues on high-UV days for catch-ups with mates.

Be sun safe during the school holidays

During the (endless) school holidays, parents and grandparents might find themselves looking after the sun safety of young kids a little more. 

“Teach children sun-safe habits from a young age and lead by example,” says Dr Miller, adding babies and children are at increased risk of sunburn and sun damage because their skin is delicate Here are some ways to protect young children from the sun.

  • Dress them in full-body rashies, even if you’re not at the beach (most rashies come with sun protection) or covering as much of their skin as possible with loose-fitting, tight-knit clothes.
  • Provide shade for prams and strollers but be aware of the high temperatures that covered prams and strollers can reach inside on hot days.
  • Apply SPF50+, broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen on exposed skin often, especially after swimming or water play. (Sunscreen is not recommended for babies under six months because of their sensitive skin. It’s best to keep babies out of the sun on high UV days.).
  • Make sure they always wear a hat that protects their face, ears and neck, even on cloudy days.
  • Don’t forget to add sunscreen or coverage to their feet and hands as well.

If you have teenagers, the Cancer Council says the most important thing you can do is make sure they have a ready supply of sunscreen at home, in their bags and in their cars. So stock up on smaller bottles of sunscreen they can carry with them all the time. You can also encourage them to use tinted sunscreen they can wear every day to protect their face.  

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