Sun safety: top tips for employers

May marked Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a global campaign which aims to raise awareness of the dangers of skin cancer, promote sun safety, and encourage early detection.  

Employers, particularly those in outdoor industries, should take this opportunity to plan for the summer ahead and ensure that all possible precautions are taken to protect employees from sun damage and UV radiation.  

The statistics show that: 

• One death a week in Ireland is related to sun exposure at work 
• Almost a quarter (23%) of skin cancer deaths come from the construction, outdoor and farming industries 
• 9 in 10 skin cancer deaths could be prevented 
• Almost 13,000 cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year 

We may not be in the Bahamas, but sun safety is just as important in Ireland as it is anywhere else. Even on a cloudy day, the UV index may still be high, and your employees could be at risk. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Ireland, and it’s a topic that employers should be taking seriously. 

As we head into the summer months, it’s vital that outdoor workers are protected, as much as is possible, from the dangers of UV damage and skin cancer.  

Those working, for instance, in the farming, agriculture, horticulture, fishing and construction sectors, are at a far greater risk of work-related skin cancer than their counterparts working indoors. Under the Safety, Health and Welfare Act 2005, employers have a legal obligation to create a safe working environment for their employees, so businesses in these industries should be taking precautions now to limit the risks of sun damage.  

While we all welcome the sunshine and warmer weather, there are preventative measures we can take to protect ourselves and our employees while working outdoors. Here are some of my top tips for protecting your employees on sunny days: 

• Scheduling: If possible, try to schedule outdoor work to avoid peak UV radiation times. The peak period for UV rays is usually between 11am and 3pm. 
• Limit duration of sun exposure: As much as possible, limit your employees’ exposure to sunshine when the UV index is 3 or higher. If possible, arrange indoor work for these periods.  
• Provide shade: Provide shaded areas to reduce prolonged exposure, particularly during employee break times. 
• Provide sunscreen: Supply employees with a high SPF sunscreen - factor 30 or higher. 
• PPE: Ensure that your employees wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hats, long-sleeved clothing, sunglasses, and sun cream. 
• Training: Conduct comprehensive training for all outdoor workers on the dangers of sun exposure and UV radiation, as well as training on how to protect themselves while they work outdoors. Additionally, employers should encourage their staff to check regularly for any signs and symptoms of skin cancer.  
• Inform employees of the SunSmart Code: The Irish Cancer Society’s SunSmart Code guides us through 5 key steps we can take to protect ourselves from the sun.  
• Check the UV index: Check the UV index to see whether extra precautions are needed to protect employees from UV radiation.  
• Implement a sun protection policy: Lastly, a key step to meeting your Health & Safety obligations is to implement a sun protection section in your employee safety policies. This will provide guidance for both you and your employees on the steps that should be taken to protect staff from the sun.  

Many instances of skin cancer are preventable, and it only takes a few quick and easy steps to significantly decrease the level of risk posed by sunny weather. The most important thing is to have a comprehensive understanding of your obligations as an employer, and the steps you can take to create a safer workplace for your employees.