Skin Safety in the Sun.
Thursday, March 11th, 2010
With the sun currently shining and rising higher each day, once again employers and individuals should consider protection from the potential harmful rays.
The last twenty years have seen a dramatic rise in the number of cases of skin cancer. In the UK alone, the number of new cases has nearly doubled. We now have over 40,000 new cases – and over 2000 deaths every year from skin cancer. Though statistically it is the second most common form of cancer, many experts think it is probably the most common because many minor cases are not officially registered.
Nowadays however most cases of skin cancer are completely curable. Nine out of ten cases are NON-MELANOMA of which there are two types, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. These are rarely fatal if treated early, and they tend to appear on the more exposed parts of the body in later life. It is thought that they arise as a result of cumulative exposure to the sun and are therefore more common in older people and those who have spent much of their time outdoors, for instance agricultural workers.
One in ten cases, however are the more dangerous MALIGNANT MELANOMAS. These spread rapidly and can kill if not treated quickly. They can often be linked to sunburn or occasional overexposure, and are more common in younger people. For this reason children and infants, who tend to spend more time outdoors, need special care.
Employers have a legal duty to protect the health and safety of their employees.
Health and Safety at Work Act (1974)
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (1999)
There is information about employers’ legal obligations on the Health and Safety Executive website.
If you are an employer or manager responsible for people whose work keeps them outside for most of the day, please read this leaflet. It gives advice on reducing the health risks for your employees when they are working in the sun.
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can cause skin damage including sunburn, blistering, skin ageing and in the long term can lead to skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK, with over 40 000 new cases diagnosed each year.
UV radiation should be considered an occupational hazard for people who work outdoors.
Who then is at risk?
People with pale skin are most at risk of skin damage, especially those with fair or red hair, with a lot of freckles or with a family history of skin cancer.
People with brown or black skin are at low risk but people of all skin colours can suffer from overheating and dehydration.
Include sun protection advice in routine health and safety training. Inform workers that a tan is not healthy – it is a sign that skin has already been damaged by the sun.
What can I do as an employer?
Encourage workers to keep covered up during the summer months – especially at lunch time when the sun is at its hottest. They can cover up with a long-sleeved shirt, and a hat with a brim or flap that protects the ears and neck.
Encourage workers to use sunscreen of at least SPF (Sun Protection Factor) 15 on any part of the body they can’t cover up and to apply it as directed on the product. They might prefer to use a spray or an alcohol-based (non-greasy) sunscreen.
Encourage workers to take their breaks in the shade, if possible, rather than staying out in the sun.
Consider scheduling work to minimise exposure.
Provide water points and rest areas in the shade.
Encourage workers to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
Keep your workers informed about the dangers of sun exposure – make use of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) leaflet Keep your top on (see ‘Further information’). See links at the end of this article.
Encourage workers to check their skin regularly for unusual spots or moles that change size, shape or colour and to seek medical advice promptly if they find anything that causes them concern. Consulting your employees and their safety representatives is important. Take their views into account when introducing any new sun safety initiatives.
What benefits are there?
Fewer absence days through sunburn.
A healthier and better-informed workforce.
Reduced risk to employees of skin cancer from
long-term sun exposure.
Sun Protection six-point code.
Keep your top on. Clothing forms a barrier to the sun’s harmful rays- especially tightly woven fabrics;
Wear a hat with a brim or flap that covers the back of neck and ears- avoiding sunburn;
Stay in the shade, whenever possible, especially at lunchtime;
Use a high factor sunscreen of at least factor SPF 15 on exposed skin. Apply as directed on the product;
Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration;
Check your skin regularly for unusual spots or moles which may have changed. See a doctor immediately if you see anything that is changed in shape, size, colour, itching or bleeding .
