Sun safety warning for site workers

Health Fri, Jun 16, 2017 8:53 AM

Roof systems manufacturer Marley has issued a sun safety warning for all outdoor construction workers, following new research which shows they have a greater risk of skin cancer than any other occupation.

The latest study, which appeared in the British Journal of Cancer, looked at the risks of skin cancer and outdoor occupations, estimating that there are 48 deaths and 241 cases of melanoma skin cancer each year caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun at work. Construction workers accounted for a staggering 44% of these deaths.

As part of its annual Safe in the Sun campaign, Marley is urging all site workers to take action to reduce their skin cancer risk and is giving away free sun cream and UV wristbands, which change colour to show when sun protection is needed.

Katie Prestidge, who is leading the campaign at Marley, explains: “These latest findings show that there is no room for complacency when it comes to sun safety on site. Most people are careful about applying sun cream when they are abroad on holiday, but wouldn’t necessarily think of taking the same precautions when spending seven hours outside in the summer at work yet, it is just as, if not more, dangerous.

“It is thought that working in the sun could lead to one death and around five new cases of melanoma each week. Yet, 90% of all skin cancer deaths are preventable if workers on site take simple, sun safety precautions.”

The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) is backing Marley’s Safe in the Sun campaign and Gary Walpole, technical and health & safety officer at the NFRC, says: “70% of the workforce haven’t had any sort of training on the risks of working in the sun and with skin cancer cases on the increase in the UK, the Safe in the Sun campaign is an excellent way of highlighting the dangers of sun exposure.

“Sun safety is an important part of the NFRC’s health strategy and we have recently pledged to the IOSH ‘No Time to Lose’ campaign, which aims to get carcinogenic exposure issues more widely understood and help businesses take action.”

Marley has issued the following Safe in the Sun advice:

  • Keep a shirt or jacket on and opt for tightly woven fabrics, which help to form a barrier to the sun’s harmful rays
  • Don’t leave exposed skin unprotected. Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and remember to reapply regularly.
  • Wear a hard hat at all times, preferably with a brim and flap that will cover the ears and the back of the neck
  • Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated
  • Check your skin regularly for unusual spots and moles, or changes to spots and moles
  • Wear a UV wristband, so that even when it is cloudy, you know when you need to use sunscreen and cover up.

Help raise awareness about skin cancer risks in construction. Get a free UV wristband and bottle of sun cream, while stocks last, by sending your name and email address to info@marley.co.uk. Join the debate on Twitter – follow @MarleyLtd and share the #safeinthesun message

For further information about the Safe in the Sun campaign, visit the website.

In association with Marley Ltd


Quick Links


Company Details

Lichfield Road
Branston
Burton Upon Trent
Staffordshire
DE14 3HD
United Kingdom
T: 01283 722588
View Website
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Google Plus
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin

Featured News

Specification news
MARLEY EXTENDS RENEWABLE TECHNOLOGY OFFERING WITH...

As building specifiers look to enhance the saleability and energy efficiency...

Read More >>

Specification news
Marley’s JB Red Batten receives CCPI verification

Marley’s JB Red Batten has become one of the first construction products to achieve...

Read More >>

BUILDING PRODUCT LIBRARY - LATEST BROCHURES

ROOF DEFENCE Brochure

ROOF DEFENCE
By Marley Ltd

Download Now >>

ROOF DEFENCE TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION Brochure

ROOF DEFENCE TECHNIC...
By Marley Ltd

Download Now >>

 ROOF DEFENCE INSTALLATION GUIDE Brochure

ROOF DEFENCE INSTAL...
By Marley Ltd

Download Now >>

Marley Solar Installation Guide  Brochure

Marley Solar Install...
By Marley Ltd

Download Now >>

Marley SolarTile Brochure

Marley SolarTile
By Marley Ltd

Download Now >>

BUILDING PRODUCT DIRECTORY - LATEST PRODUCTS

Eden Tile
Eden Tile

Marley has launched a ground-breaking new pantile, with a traditional profile but incorporating...

Read More >>

Ventilated Dry Ridge System
Ventilated Dry Ridge System

Marley ventilated dry ridge system is designed to provide a totally dry fixed and weather tight...

Read More >>

GRP Dry Valley
GRP Dry Valley

Valleys are one of the most vulnerable parts of the roof. Marley Universal GRP dry valleys provide...

Read More >>

CONSTRUCTION VIDEOS - LATEST VIDEOS

Marley Ltd's new Comprehensive Roof Systems Specification Guide
Marley Ltd's new Comprehensive Roof Systems Specification Guide

As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting architects and specifiers, Marley has launched its...

Watch Now >>

Henley on Thames -  Case Study
Henley on Thames - Case Study

The most recent colour addition to our popular Acme Double Camber clay plain tile range provided the...

Watch Now >>