Heat and UV Exposure in Outdoor Work

The Heat and UV Exposure in Outdoor Work eLearning course provides learners with an understanding of the health and safety risks associated with working outdoors in hot conditions and exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

The course explores how heat and sunlight can affect the body, including dehydration, heat-related illness and skin and eye damage caused by UV exposure. Learners will consider practical measures for reducing exposure, maintaining hydration, recognising early warning signs and responding appropriately when they or a colleague may be affected.

Who Should Attend?

• Employees who work outdoors for all or part of their working day.
• Agricultural, horticultural and forestry workers.
• Construction and highways personnel.
• Grounds maintenance and landscaping employees.
• Utilities and field-based workers.
• Employees undertaking physically demanding work outdoors.
• Managers and supervisors responsible for outdoor workers.
• Anyone requiring awareness of heat and UV exposure risks in outdoor work.

What You Will Learn

• The health and safety risks associated with working in hot conditions.
• How the body responds to heat.
• Factors that can increase the risk of heat-related illness.
• Understanding the importance of hydration during outdoor work.
• Recognising potential signs of dehydration.
• Recognising signs and symptoms of heat-related illness.
• Understanding the potential seriousness of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
• Knowing when urgent assistance may be required.
• Considering the effects of physically demanding work in hot conditions.
• Recognising how clothing and personal protective equipment can affect heat exposure.
• Planning work to reduce unnecessary exposure to high temperatures.
• Taking appropriate rest breaks and using shaded or cooler areas where available.
• Recognising when weather conditions may require working arrangements to be reviewed.
• Understanding ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
• Recognising that UV exposure can occur even when temperatures are not particularly high.
• Understanding the potential short and long-term effects of UV exposure.
• Recognising the risks of sunburn and skin damage.
• Understanding the potential effects of UV radiation on the eyes.
• Identifying practical measures for reducing exposure to direct sunlight.
• Using suitable clothing to help protect exposed skin.
• Appropriate use of sunscreen as part of wider sun protection measures.
• Protecting the eyes from UV exposure where appropriate.
• Recognising the importance of checking exposed skin for changes.
• Reporting concerns relating to heat or UV exposure.
• Following workplace risk assessments and control measures.
• Understanding individual responsibilities for managing outdoor working risks.
• Contributing to safer working practices during hot and sunny conditions.

Course Delivery

This course is delivered as self-directed eLearning through the ELMO learning platform.

Learners can work through the course at their own pace and can move backwards and forwards through the learning content as required. The course does not need to be completed in one sitting, allowing learners to leave and return to their training where necessary.

Interactive activities may be included throughout the course to reinforce key learning points.

Assessment

Knowledge and understanding are checked through online assessment activities. Depending on the course content, these may include multiple-choice questions, matching exercises, drag-and-drop activities and image-based questions.

A minimum score of 70% is required to successfully complete the course.

Certification

Upon successful completion of the course and assessment requirements, learners will receive a UK Rural Skills (UKRS) Accredited Certificate of Training.

This is an awareness-based eLearning course and does not replace workplace-specific risk assessments, appropriate control measures, emergency arrangements or any task-specific training required for outdoor work.

Course Duration

The course is self-directed and learners can progress through the content at their own pace. Completion time may therefore vary depending on the individual learner.