On construction sites, health and safety regulations ensure that there are policies and processes in place to protect the safety of workers but there are many other potential health risks that should be considered. Working outdoors on a regular basis leaves workers exposed to UV rays, which have several health risks including skin cancer.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK, with over 100,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Since the 1970s, UK skin cancer deaths have risen by 150%, so this is a growing health concern that requires more awareness.

What is UV radiation?

Ultraviolet radiation is produced by the sun and UV rays are also emitted from other sources such as tanning sunbeds. There are 3 types of ultraviolet radiation: A, B, and C with a range of wavelengths between 10-400 nm (just below the visible spectrum). All UVA radiation penetrates through the ozone layer (making it imperative to wear sunscreen even on cloudy days), some UVB passes through and no UVC can get through.  There are beneficial effects of ultraviolet radiation (vitamin D production for example) but also some health risks.

Nonmelanoma skin cancers, for example, result from UV radiation from the sun. The more that skin is exposed to the sun’s UV rays, the higher the risk of cancer. Unrepaired damage to the skin accumulates over time and skin cells can multiply rapidly, which can lead to malignant tumours.

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer, and it is now one of the most common cancers for the age group 15-29, causing more than 75% of skin cancer deaths.

Cancer risks in the construction industry

According to HSE, construction workers have historically been at a greater risk of developing cancer through work than any other industry group. This includes other cancers, as well as skin cancer from UV rays, but highlights just how serious the issue is for this industry.

In addition to the risk of skin cancer, UV rays are also harmful to the eyes and too much UV exposure can lead to potentially blinding eye diseases, as well as cataracts. Other effects include premature ageing of the skin and too much sun exposure can even weaken the immune system.

The construction industry has historically experienced the consequences of working with asbestos and the long-term health effects of exposure to asbestos. Now a similar amount of awareness is required regarding UV radiation exposure to help protect the long-term health of construction workers and particularly those who work outdoors on a daily basis.

Recommended working practices to protect workers

Employers should help to protect employees at work in a number of ways, such as:

·         Including UV sun protection in health and safety training and briefings.

·         Providing protective eyewear for workers who are working outdoors through summer.

·         Supplying free sunscreen with high UV protection on construction sites.

·         Providing protective clothing, such as hats with flaps that cover the back of the neck and ears.

·         The health and safety officer should encourage skin and eye protection on-site, especially at peak sun exposure between 11 am - 3 pm

While it is not a legal requirement to do this, it is every employer’s responsibility to protect the health and safety of workers. These measures can also help productivity, by reducing the number of illnesses through sunburn injuries or workers feeling nauseous through sun exposure, as well as protecting workers from the long-term health risks.

FixFirm supplies 1-litre sunscreen dispensers that can be easily applied on-site, as well as UV Aware kits and protective clothing.

Visit our online store to add your UV sun protection products to your order.

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