May 30th, 2024
5 mins
BFFF raises awareness of the dangers of unprotected sun exposure and looks at ways member companies can help prevent workers developing skin cancer.
UV exposure from the sun is one of the main causes of skin cancer and also one of the most preventable. According to data from the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer, the global total number of new melanoma cases will reach 413,100 per year by 2030. This is an increase of over 27% on the 324,635 cases registered a decade earlier in 2020. Melanoma mortality is predicted to reach 74,750 in 2030, a 31% increase on the 57,043 deaths in 2020.
Those working in the sun and heat are at an increased risk of UV exposure. However, a YouGov survey (undertaken in April 2023) of 4,435 respondents, of whom 558 were outdoor workers, found that a third of outdoor workers never apply sunscreen at work, and 34% of them claimed nothing would encourage them to do so. A third of those who never use UV protection at work said that they didn’t think it was necessary and 28% stated that they didn’t burn easily in the sun, citing this as their reason.
Under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSWA), there is a legal duty on every employer to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, the health of their employees. The Management of Health and Work Regulations 1999 also require the employer to conduct a suitable assessment of the risks to the health of their workforce, including those risks from UV radiation from natural sunlight.
It is essential that employers educate staff about the health risks. Key actions to take:
· Include sun exposure and heat stress within risk assessments as appropriate to the work.
· Where there appears to be a significant risk of heat stress, carry out a more detailed risk assessment with occupational health advice if necessary.
· Where the level of risk demands:
o Take action to reduce exposure to a safe level, e.g. by the timing of work, managing exposure times, providing shelter.
o Increase the number of rest breaks in cool/shaded locations. A cooled rest area may be required indoors.
o Provide PPE, such as safety glasses with UV protection.
o Consider the risks of heat stress when selecting clothing and PPE.
o Provide cool drinking water and encourage workers to drink plenty of water regularly to prevent dehydration.
o Ensure that contractors are also aware of the risks and are taking preventative actions.
· Give sun protection/heat stress advice to staff and managers.
· Take account of sun and heat stress risks in first aid provisions.
· Consult with workers when undertaking risk assessments and before introducing new ways of working.
For more information, visit: https://www.hse.gov.uk/skin/sunprotect.htm
