Wear sunscreen
June 1st 2005 Afamiliar sight, which accompanies the British summer every year and one that has become synonymous, perhaps for the wrong reasons with the construction industry, is the bronzed builder or more often than not, the red, raw, sun damaged skin of a construction worker. For those who spend their lives working outdoors, the fresh air and hot weather is an occupational perk. However, stark new warnings detailing an increase in cases of skin cancer has brought about a change in attitudes regarding occupational hazards and the importance of educating employees on the dangers of UV radiation. It is 30 years since the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 was put in place as a “new regulatory framework for workplace health and safety in Great Britain”i. A great deal of work was and is undertaken today to ensure that there are strong systems of work to guide and advise all and to ensure that Health and Safety is at the forefront of our working lives. Now recognised as having one of the ‘best safety records in Europe’ii, Britain continues to remain focused on health and safety issues, maintaining and recognising them in our ever changing environments.
The subject of sun exposure is one such area which is now becoming a huge concern for construction companies and one which the HSE has sought to support and advise employers and their workers on.
Global warming has brought about changing elements in our weather system. Rising temperatures and increased UV radiation similarly are a result of ‘infra-red radiation being emitted by the Earth’s surface becoming trapped’.iii However, despite the looming dangers and stark warnings we, as a nation, are still reluctant to protect ourselves against harmful UV-A (aging) and UV-B (burning) rays.
The National Ecocentre have now warned that ‘the greatest threat to human health is an increase in the incidence of skin cancer; each 1% loss of total ozone leads to a 3% to 5% increase in skin cancer cases’iv.
Cancer Research UK reports that ‘69 000 new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year’, a figure that has doubled since the 1980’s. Of those ‘69 000 cases, skin cancer will take 2000 lives’v. The problem has escalated so much so that Cancer Research UK now reports that there are more skin cancer deaths in the UK than in Australia, even though Australia has more cases of the disease. One reason for this is our reluctance to slap on the sunscreen when outdoors. As a nation we think nothing of purchasing a high factor sunscreen for our holidays, however ‘at home’ in the realms of ‘old blighty’s’ weather, we disregard sunscreen as unimportant. Yet the dangers are still very much present especially for those exposed for regular lengthy periods.
These alarming statistics have given rise to a growing concern in industry and thus sun exposure is now being recognised as an occupational hazard for the outdoor worker, Wear sunscreen with an emphasis on educating and advising employees on the risks and also on preventative action against sun damage and skin cancer.
Perhaps the easiest and most effective steps are to cover up, ensuring shirts and hats are worn and to also apply a high factor sunscreen, at least 15 SPF to all areas of the body exposed to direct sunlight. Sunscreen can even be applied under clothing to minimise the risk of sun penetration through the fabric. The application of sunscreens should be repeated every 2 – 3 hours or more often if sweating. Employees should always be advised to check their skin on a regular basis for any changes in its appearance, such as unusual moles or spots. Any concerns should be reported to a doctor.
As well as sunscreen employees and employers should ensure that work breaks are spent in the shade and whenever possible, though not always as simple as it sounds, avoid working in direct sunlight between 11am and 3pm especially on particularly strong sunny days.
Another simple but important step is to ensure that plenty of water is drunk to avoid dehydration.
The weather is there to be enjoyed, however, we must recognise the dangers and as employers act accordingly as with any other occupational hazard. The fact that the HSE and other authorities are relaying a concern for outdoor workers and the increase in skin cancer cases must serve as a reminder that we all have a responsibility to protect ourselves against the daily hazards of sun exposure.
An SPF30 sunscreen, for employees exposed to UV radiation over long periods of time, Deb Deflect is a waterproof viscous cream that protects against UV-A (ageing) and UV-B (burning) rays by providing 30 times the skins normal protection.
Easy to apply and providing excellent cost in use, Deb Deflect is available in 150ml tubes and 1 litre dispensers.
Fragrance free and non-greasy, Deb Deflect contains Vitamins A, D & E as well as Aloe Vera, to moisturise and soothe the skin. Able to withstand heavy perspiration or immersion in water, its neutral pH balance ensures compatibility with the skin to reduce the risk of possible irritation and can also be used under clothes to minimise sun penetration through fabrics. Deb Deflect SPF 30 is ideal for use on any part of the body exposed to harmful rays especially for extended periods of exposure to UV radiation.
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