Protecting outdoor workers
SKIN CANCER rates are currently on the rise across Europe. Ireland and Luxembourg have the highest predicted increases in skin cancer rates by 2040, and of the 20 countries in the world with the highest mortality rate from skin melanoma, 18 are in Europe.
Outdoor workers are a high-risk group for skin cancer caused by UV damage, due to the amount of time they spend outside being exposed to sunlight and UV rays. Despite this, less than a third (29%) of outdoor workers report regularly using UV protection, and a further third state that nothing would encourage them to do so.
Employers have a legal responsibility and duty of care to their workforce to protect them from occupational hazards. This includes educating employees on the importance of UV protection and encouraging them to follow best practices. Nearly two-thirds (61%) of those who work outdoors agree that understanding the effects of UV damage encourages them to use sun protection cream at work, highlighting the importance of education and raising awareness for UV protection.
Providing good quality sun protection cream when and where it is needed, such as at workplace entrances and exits and in outdoor areas, is one simple way that employers can help fulfil their duty of care and raise awareness of the risks of over-exposure to the sun among their workers.
SC Johnson Professional can help your organisation prepare for the summer months when skin cancer risks are at their highest. With site audits and free resources, they can help to raise awareness of the importance of sun protection in the workplace.
For more information, visit www.scjp.com
Tel: 01773 855100
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