Winter is here, but sun damage is still a risk – and those working outside should be taking precautions to protect themselves
For many with careers in the built environment, working outside is the norm, and sun damage all year round is more common than you might think.
Ultraviolet (UV) rays are invisible to the human eye, but it doesn’t mean the skin can’t be affected by them, even when it’s cold and cloudy outside.
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According to Cancer Research UK, more than 90% of UV rays are still transmitted through clouds and can cause sunburn, along with any associated skin problems, from sunspots to skin cancer.
Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers that impact people in the UK. There were 17,537 new cases of melanoma skin cancer recorded in 2017-2019 by Cancer Research UK.
Preventative methods
Despite the risks, many of those in the construction and demolition industries often underestimate how sun-induced disease can impact their health.
Skin cancer is preventable in more than 90% of cases. However, reducing sun exposure and the risk of UV rays can be challenging for those who work outdoors.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) says you should take particular care if you have: fair or freckled skin, red or fair hair, or a large number of pre-existing moles.
This is due to fair-skinned people having less skin pigmentation or melanin in their bodies, making it easier for their skin to burn or be affected by the sun, even during the colder months.
It is imperative that workers seek shade and wear sunscreen every day, with the NHS suggesting you wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30+, even in the wintertime.
Wearing protective clothing, including cotton long-sleeve shirts and closely-knit materials where possible, is important all year round.
The number one way to fight skin cancer is by covering up as much of your skin as you can.
Safety on site is top of mind to those in construction, so why isn’t sun safety?
What to look out for
According to Cancer Research UK, if you notice any irregular moles or spots that are itchy or painful and don’t heal in more than four weeks, you shouldn’t delay getting them checked out by a professional.
In the field, the foreperson and managers should take into consideration skin conditions and ensure everyone has the correct equipment needed to protect against skin cancer.
If you need more information on skin cancer in the built environment and how to get yourself checked, visit the National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC) LinkedIn page here.
Duncan Rudall is CEO of NFDC.
