Skincare for Outdoor Workers
It is estimated by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) that over 40,000 new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year; the most common form of cancer in the UK.
Whilst the sun is a good source of Vitamin D, long term exposure causes skin damage and increases the risk of skin cancer. Indeed, 90% of skin cancers occur on parts of the body usually not covered by clothing; the face, hands, forearms and ears1.
Guidelines from the Health and Safety Executive ‘Directors’ Responsibility for Health and Safety’ highlight that employers are legally obliged to provide a safe working environment and should include sun protection advice in routine health and safety training.
The HSE states that UV radiation should be considered an occupational hazard for people who work outdoors.
So, what can employers do to minimise exposure to the sun for those who work outside?
Employers have a legal ‘duty of care’ to assess the risks of working in the sun, as well as other risks, and to take necessary preventative actions such as choose the right protective equipment and skin care products, and advise employees how to check for early signs of skin damage, changes or abnormalities.
Sunscreen is of paramount importance for helping to reduce the risks of damage to the skin. Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 30 means that the product will stop 95-97% of UVB rays and allow 30 times longer in the sun before burning than without it. However, it is important that the product must be applied correctly as most people use sunscreens improperly by not applying enough. Even on a cloudy day, 30-50% of the sun’s rays reach the skin so sunscreen should be liberally applied every 2-3 hours.
Christine Mottershead, Marketing Director at Deb advises: "As Sun Safety Week approaches, it is important to look at the needs of outdoor workers. Organisations should work with companies who are experts in skin care to provide a systemised skin safety solution along with providing advice and educational materials based on the HSE’s 6-point code2."
