Sun and heat safety compliance is under pressure as Ireland faces its second major 2026 heatwave, with Met Éireann confirming heatwave status at stations in Clare, Cork, Galway, Kerry, and Carlow, and yellow warnings issued repeatedly through July. Portugal, Spain, France, Germany, and the UK have all recorded extreme EU heat since late May.

HSA guidance is a reminder that this isn’t only about heat. Outdoor workers, including those in construction, agriculture, fishing, gardening, postal delivery, waste collection, and courier work, can face two to three times more UV radiation than indoor staff. Skin cancer is Ireland’s most common cancer, with over 11,000 cases diagnosed annually, and the HSA notes that chronic, long-term occupational sun exposure is specifically linked to squamous cell skin cancer. Chronic exposure also carries eye risks, including corneal damage and cataracts.

The practical challenge is that HSA guidance calls for a combination of measures: checking the UV index daily, scheduling work outside the 11am to 3pm peak where possible, providing shade, ensuring hydration breaks, and supplying SPF30+ sunscreen and wraparound sunglasses. Proving that combination happens consistently, not just once in a spring policy, is where employers struggle.

FlexManager’s Risk Assessments, Toolbox Talks, and Training Manager tools let employers document daily UV checks, log toolbox talks on sun safety, and track training across outdoor teams, all in one place.

So could you show an inspector your sun and heat safety measures were followed today, not just written down once? If not, book a demo with FlexManager to put outdoor worker safety on record.