Personnel

Those who supervise outdoor activities, teach physical education, or provide goundskeeping services exemplify school employees who spend a significant portion of their time working outdoors.

Risk Reduction

In California, an employee injury that arises out of and in the course of employment is generally compensable through the workers' compensation system.  With respect to skin cancer, California [Labor Code Section 3212.11] specifies that if a lifeguard develops skin cancer during the course of employment it will be considered work-related. 
                 
Compared to a lifeguard, who might not develop skin cancer until some time after leaving the job, it is more likely that a school employee will develop skin cancer while still employed in outdoor work.  Schools might wish to consider whether this poses a risk management issue.
 
Good policy
 
All school personnel should be aware of the dangers associated with overexposure to ultraviolet radiation and be well acquainted with methods of sun protection.  The Director of Nursing Services might conduct in-service training, issue periodic reminders and sun safety tips, and of course serve as a model of sun-safe behavior.
 
While there may be a financial constraint against requiring (as opposed to encouraging) that students wear a hat when outdoors, it might be reasonable to require, or at least strongly encourage, that personnel take certain sun precautions, such as wearing a hat.
 
By demonstrating their personal concern for sun safety, for example by putting on a hat, long clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen before going outdoors, staff members can play an important role in conveying the school’s serious commitment to sun safety for the students.

 

 






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