As we experience brighter and warmer days, roof systems manufacturer, Marley is reiterating the important message that all outdoor roofing and construction workers should protect themselves and their skin from the harmful effects of UV rays, caused by increased sun exposure.
Marley’s ‘Safe in the Sun’ campaign has been running since 2004 and its central message remains as relevant as ever.
This year, to help spread the ‘cover-up and keep safe’ message further, contractors also have the chance to enter a prize draw to win £500 worth of Amazon vouchers. In addition, Marley is once again also giving away free sachets of sun cream via merchants nationwide. These can be distributed to their customers to offer further protection as they work outdoors.
Worryingly, recent research into sun exposure in the UK construction sector from Nottingham University found most of those surveyed said they didn’t take measures to protect themselves against sun exposure, mainly due to the misconception that the UK climate doesn’t pose a high risk of skin cancer.
Yet, each year there are more than 1,500 new cases of work-related non-melanoma skin cancer, however, a report from IOSH found that nine in 10 skin cancer deaths could be prevented if precautions to avoid sun damage were made
As well as sunburn, UV exposure can also cause premature ageing of the skin, a range of vision-impairing eye conditions such as cataracts, skin cancer and even vision loss.
To promote general sun safety across the construction industry, Marley’s annual ‘Safe in the Sun’ campaign continues to focus on encouraging outdoor workers to protect themselves from potentially harmful exposure to UV rays.
To support those in the industry, Marley has shared the following helpful 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 30 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 safety sunglasses with a UV 400 rating to not only protect eyes from harmful UV rays, but also increase comfort levels when working in bright conditions.
- Check that eye protection is certified in line with EN 166 (personal eye protection) and EN 172 (sun glare filters for industrial use).
Daniel Redfern, Marketing Manager at Marley, comments: “The ongoing importance of the ‘Safe in the Sun’ campaign cannot be underestimated. Losing people each year because of the damaging impact of the sun is a stark reminder of the need to be constantly aware of the dangers of the outdoors, and to take protective measures when working outside for prolonged periods.
“We are committed to supporting the construction industry so that workers are fully aware of the risks and the simple things they can do to mitigate them. As part of the 2023 campaign, we are also providing free sachets of sun cream to workers who apply for them.”
This year, contractors can also add to their outdoor workwear protection options through Marley’s prize draw to win £500 of Amazon vouchers, which can be spent on workwear and tools.
To enter the competition, visit: marley.co.uk/safeinthesun
