SunSmart collaborates with local governments across Western Australia to promote a future free from skin cancer by minimising exposure to harmful UV radiation. We provide expert advice and support to help local governments develop and update public health plans and other policies that prioritise sun safety and encourage UV protection in the community.
Environments where we live, work, play, and learn are vital for promoting health and reducing risks like skin cancer. Positioned closest to the community, local governments are ideally suited to implement public health policies that encourage active, healthy lifestyles. Preventing chronic diseases, such as cancer, requires a coordinated effort across all levels of government in Australia, with local councils having a significant impact on community well-being.
The development of local government public health plans to complement the State Public Health Plan for Western Australia 2019 – 2024 as required under the Public Health Act 2016 offers further opportunities for local governments to contribute to the ongoing efforts to reduce cancer in WA.
Local governments play an essential role in reducing community exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. They are key players in town planning, oversee planning and development approvals, manage recreational and community facilities, and organise or sponsor outdoor events. For guidance on planning outdoor events, visit Hosting a SunSmart Outdoor Event.
Local governments, public health and cancer prevention: Taking action to improve the health and wellbeing of our local communities serves as a guide for local governments, outlining practical actions that can be incorporated into their Public Health Plans (PHP) including shade and sun protection policies for local government
Use our Sun Protection Policy Template (word, 20kb) to help you develop your own policy.
Shade development
Shade provides good protection from the sun, and it can be easy for people to use. When used in conjunction with other protective measures, such as sun-protective clothing, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen, shade can be a particularly effective method to protect against UV radiation. The provision of shade has also been identified as an important component in the design and creation of safe and healthy communities.
‘The Shade Handbook: a practical guide for shade development in Western Australia’, outlines points to consider when planning shade for new facilities or outdoor areas and includes practical information and guidelines on developing shade for a range of environments.
Outdoor workers
Many local government employees work outdoors maintaining parks, reserves, schools, street scapes and recreational facilities. Outdoor workers face a higher risk of skin cancer due to increased ultraviolet (UV) exposure, up to 10 times more UV radiation compared to indoor workers.
Cancer Council’s Sun Safety for Outdoor Workers: Implementation Guide can assist your workplace to enhance your sun safety culture, along with our comprehensive Skin cancer and outdoor work – A work health and safety guide designed to equip WHS representatives with valuable insights and guidance on the significance of sun protection policies and practices in the workplace.
Working Safely in the sun and heat for outdoor workers is an excellent online education module suitable for those young or new to the workforce along with SunSmart Tools for WHS knowledge and support for employers. Both have been developed in partnership with WorkSafe WA.
Cancer Council WA’s SunSmart program produces a range of resources specifically developed for outdoor workers and provides education sessions for employees. For more information visit working safely in the sun.