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Keep your shirt on, says health 86 safety advisor
Page 19
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II Too few companies are taking steps to protect their workers from the health and safety risks created by exposure to the sun. While BO% are worried about employees contracting skin cancer they are not necessarily doing anything about it, according to a recent survey conducted by business information supplier Croner.
Employees—tipper and low-loader drivers, for instance—who decide to take off their shirts in warm weather are at particular risk of contracting cancer, as is anybody working in a haulier's yard clad in a t-shirt and shorts, and without a hat.
"Employers are required to follow health and safety guidelines and provide sun protection advice to their workforce," says Trevor Davies, Croner Consulting's health and safety expert.
"They are not required to provide sunscreen in the way that they are required to provide other safety equipment," he adds. We would advise them to consider it, however, as I wouldn't be surprised if an employee with skin cancer tried to make a claim against his or her employer."
Other measures companies should consider taking include: • Keeping workers informed about the dangers of sun exposure by including sun protection advice in routine health and safety training; • Encouraging them to keep their shirts on, apply sunscreen of at least SPF15 to exposed areas, and drink plenty of water; • Educating them about the signs of skin cancer and advising them to see their doctor if they discover any symptoms.
"If employers take responsible action over sun safety then they should have fewer days lost through sunburn and a reduced risk of skin cancer to their employees from long-term sun exposure," says Davies.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, with 40,000 new cases diagnosed annually, and 2,500 deaths.