Skin cancer and outdoor workers
Skin cancer is one of the commonest forms of cancer in the UK.
In 2000, there were 69,200 cases of skin cancer registered in the
UK. The number of cases is rising every year.
People whose job keeps them outside for a long time, e.g.
gardeners, building site workers or outdoor activity workers, can
be at a greater risk of skin cancer. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is
recognised by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as an
occupational risk factor that can lead to skin cancer. This means
that reasonable and practical measures should be taken to reduce
the risk.
If you are an employer responsible for people whose work keeps
them outside for most of the day, you can do the following to
protect your staff:
- Include sun protection information in induction courses and
routine health and safety training.
- Encourage staff to keep themselves covered up during the summer
months, in particular around midday when the sun is at its hottest.
They can wear long sleeved shirts and hats with brims or flaps that
protects ears and neck.
- Encourage staff to use a suitable sunscreen of at least SPF
(Sun Protection Factor) 15 on any part of the body they are unable
to cover up, and apply it according to its usage instructions.
- Encourage staff to take their breaks in the shade rather than
staying outside in the sun
- Assess scheduling work to minimise sun exposure
- Keep your workers informed about the dangers of sun
exposure
- Encourage staff to check their skin regularly for unusual spots
or moles that change size, shape or colour and to seek medical
advice promptly if they find anything that causes concern.
The benefits of taking these practical measures will benefit
your company, through fewer absence days as a result of sunburn, a
healthier and better informed workforce and reduced risk to staff
of skin cancer from long term sun exposure.