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Workers in Malaysia—particularly those working outdoors in construction, agriculture, logistics, utilities, enforcement, tourism, and facilities management—are regularly exposed to harmful solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Over time, this exposure significantly increases the risk of sunburn, skin cancer (including melanoma), eye damage, and long-term skin injury. Importantly, UV harm can occur even when workers do not feel excessive heat or see immediate effects.
Solar UV exposure is a serious occupational health hazard that cannot be completely eliminated. Instead, risks must be minimized so far as is reasonably practicable through systematic risk management, effective controls, and worker consultation. These principles are highly relevant to Malaysia’s tropical climate and consistent daylight exposure.
What affects UV risk in Malaysia
UV risk varies depending on several environmental and situational factors:
● Time of day: Typically highest between 10am–4pm.
● Weather and season: UV remains harmful even on cloudy days.
● Location and altitude: Higher elevations often experience more intense UV.
● Reflective surfaces: Exposure increases near water, sand, concrete, and metal roofs.
● Photosensitizing substances: Certain medications and workplace chemicals can increase a worker’s sensitivity to UV.
Managing solar UV risk at work (Plan–Do–Check–Act)
A practical and effective approach to managing these hazards is the Plan–Do–Check–Act (PDCA) cycle.
Plan: Assess the risk
● Identify tasks and roles requiring outdoor work.
● Assess duration, peak UV hours, and reflective environments.
● Consult workers on real work practices and constraints.
Do: Apply controls using the hierarchy of controls
Prioritize higher-level controls first to reduce the reliance on individual behavior:
Workplace / Organisational Controls
● Redesign tasks to reduce direct sun exposure.
● Schedule outdoor work outside peak UV hours where possible.
● Provide shade (temporary shelters, canopies, shaded rest areas).
● Implement administrative controls such as job rotation, enforced breaks, supervision, and UV alerts.
Personal Protective Measures
● Sun-protective clothing: Long sleeves, long trousers, and breathable fabrics.
● Headwear: Wide-brim hats or legionnaire-style neck protection.
● Eyewear: UV-rated safety glasses or sunglasses.
● Sunscreen: Broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen, applied correctly and reapplied as required.
Note: PPE should support—not replace—good planning and work design.
Training, myths, and heat stress
● Provide training on UV risks and correct sunscreen use.
● Address common myths (e.g., “cloudy days mean low UV risk”).
● Integrate UV protection with heat stress management (hydration, breathable clothing, shaded recovery areas), as poorly planned controls can create secondary heat risks.
Monitoring and health surveillance
● Encourage early reporting of sunburn, eye irritation, or skin changes.
● Promote regular skin and eye checks.
● Support worker self-checks using the ABCDE method for melanoma detection (Asymmetry, Border, Colour, Diameter, Evolving).
Key Message
Solar UV radiation should be treated in Malaysia as a core occupational health risk, not a seasonal or optional concern. Effective protection requires structured risk assessment, layered controls, worker engagement, ongoing monitoring, and continuous improvement—integrated into everyday workplace health and safety systems.
Reference: WorkSafe New Zealand: Solar UV Radiation Quick Guide
Image: Freepik
