Safety in the Sun

Posted on May 8, 2017

Today, the risk of getting skin cancer from sun exposure is well known and widely understood. We hear about it in the media and we see the marketing associated with sun creams and other products, almost universally aimed at consumers in the holiday, sport and leisure markets. But still people don’t take safety in the sun seriously.

In contrast, in many industry sectors, the risks aren’t acknowledged or managed properly, often because there isn’t enough awareness of the scale of the issue. With myths surrounding how sun damage can actually happen, different risk factors associated with different climates, ‘macho’ cultures in the face of certain risks in some parts of the construction sector and misunderstandings around potential vitamin D deficiency from lack of UV exposure; its no wonder that skin cancer is on the rise. Read on to find out how to protect yourself.

Main risk areas

Agriculture and rural industries, construction, dock and maritime industries, grounds and landscape management, outdoor leisure, entertainment and professional sports, police services, rail-road working, refuse collection and recycling, road-working, telecommunications, traffic and parking control, water and sewage treatment.

Malignant melanoma (the more serious form of skin cancer) kills nearly 50 people each year, with 240 new cancer cases being registered. The majority affected are men, and just under half those diagnosed with malignant melanoma linked to occupational exposures are under 65.

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Stay safe in the Sun