There's a perception that the UK climate does not pose a great risk of skin cancer1 yet outdoor work with regular exposure to UV radiation from the sun could lead to one death and around five new cases of melanoma skin cancer a week, according to research published in the British Journal of Cancer (2017)2.
Research has found that just over 40% of construction workers thought there was no need to wear sunscreen on a cloudy day3, however, over 90% of UV can pass through light clouds and cause sunburn4.
Help prevent or control your workforce's exposure to UV radiation by implementing a Sun Safety programme. SC Johnson Professional have resources to support employee training - helping raise awareness of the risks and providing guidance on helping protect from UV.
"Skin cancer is now the most common form of cancer in the UK and incidence rates are still rising, with outdoor workers being particularly high at risk", according to Johnathon Major of the British Association of Dermatologists5. Follow the 5S approach6 as part of your Sun Safety programme.
According to HSE guidelines, UV radiation should be considered an occupational hazard for those who work outdoors. We can help you fulfil your duty of case and help protect your employees from UV hazards. Make Stokoderm Sun Protection part of your Sun Safety programme.
1 https://www.notimetolose.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/POL2720-SOLAR-FACTSHEET-WEB.pdf
2 https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-us/cancer-news/press-release/2017-01-18-sun-exposure-at-work-could-lead-to-one-skin-cancer-death-a-week
3 https://www.notimetolose.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/POL2720-SOLAR-FACTSHEET-WEB.pdf
5 https://www.notimetolose.org.uk/news-and-events/safety-and-health-professionals-sun-safety/
6 https://www.tuc.org.uk/sites/default/files/extras/skincancer.pdf