Here Comes the Sun Workers Urged to Reach for the Sunscreen

Workers who predominantly work outdoors are being urged to take precautions to protect themselves against skin cancer, both during May’s Skin Cancer Awareness Month and beyond.

This follows 2024 research from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which identified construction workers in particular as a significant ‘at risk’ group for skin cancer due to ultraviolet radiation (UVR), predominately from natural sunlight exposure.

Due to their increased risk, Werner for example (a manufacturer of ladders and access equipment) is reminding workers to wear sunscreen, otherwise known as SPF, all year round, not solely during the spring and summer months. SPF is applied to prevent the DNA damage sunlight causes, which can lead to skin cancer.

With the warmest time of the year approaching, many workers will be reaching for the sunscreen and taking extra precautions. However, it is important to know that UV rays can penetrate clouds in any weather conditions, even on rainy and overcast days.

A reminder of the ways sun damage can be prevented, as laid out by the NHS:

·         Apply sunscreen in a thick, even layer

·         Choose a sunscreen with at least 4-star UVA protection

·         Use sunscreen at factor 30 or higher

·         Ensure sunscreen is not past its expiry date before application

·         Apply 30 minutes before exposure to the sun

·         Reapply according to the sunscreen manufacturer’s instructions

·         Cover up with suitable clothing and sunglasses

·         The NHS also advises regular self-checking of the skin to monitor changes, using a mirror, or asking a partner or friend to check any areas not easily visible.

·         Should there be any changes to the shape, size or colour of any moles, freckles or patches on the skin, booking an appointment with a GP is advised. The same guidance goes for the appearance of any new growths, moles or lumps.

May is skin cancer awareness month so it is a good time to remind us all but particularly those whose work means that they are outside for long periods to take precautions against sun damage. This is something that has affected me personally (although I am not an outdoor worker) as I developed a melanoma behind my left earlobe (not a place I can easily see). Had I not had the good fortune to be married to a dermatologist it is likely it would have remained undetected and quite possibly have killed me. As it was it was diagnosed at an early stage was still “in situ” and excised without the need for any follow up.

Forbes Comment:

Forbes were involved with a claim brought by a local authority park worker who had developed a skin cancer and claimed damages against the council on the basis that he had not been provided with personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect against sun damage. Arguably the employer should have provided a suitable hat/headgear as well as sunscreen. An expert’s report from a consultant dermatologist opined that  the claimant’s working conditions materially contributed to his condition.

On that basis the case was settled. Although there is as yet no absolute legal requirement for employers to provide sunscreen we believe it can and will  be considered as PPE. The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 places employers  under a legal obligation  to provide PPE to workers who may be exposed  to risks that other means cannot adequately control. This must be provided free of charge. On balance we would therefore contend that if  a risk assessment specifically related to sun damage finds there is a risk of harmful exposure, employers should provide free sunscreen to those workers who spend considerable time out of doors and educate them on its proper use, including application and reapplication. As the planet including Britain gets hotter the likelihood is that skin cancers will increase and this may well lead to increased employer liability claims for damages, and possibly even future HSE prosecutions for a failure to protect.