It has been known for many years that the sun can cause damage to our skin and cause cancer. Although we don’t have year-round clear blue skies and sunshine the sun can still damage you on cloudy days with 80% of UV radiation being able to pass through the clouds.
Only a quarter of outdoor workers used sun cream regularly while at work last year. Mot employers will supply staff with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for work such as hearing protection but how many provide sun cream for their outdoor workers?
The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) said at least 1,500 new diagnoses of non-melanoma skin cancer and 240 new cases of malignant melanoma linked to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure at work every year could be avoided if businesses developed “sun safety strategies”.
Such strategies should involve regular updates on the UV index from weather forecasts; minimising workers’ sun exposure in the middle of the day by swapping jobs among team members; and asking employees to wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers.
As Occupational Health providers, we help ensure that you and your employees are compliant with our health surveillance and safety critical medicals.
Call us today and take the first step to a safer work environment.
