It may not have felt like it recently, but summer is just around the corner. For office workers, the downside of warmer weather is rarely more than an inconvenience. For those working outside, though, there can be hidden dangers.
From skin cancer to ocular damage, there are quite a few risks to working in the sun. If you employ workers outdoors, you have a duty to protect them from these dangers. Here’s a look at the more common risks, and what you can do to keep everyone safe.
What are the dangers?
The UK may not be famous for its hot summers, but we still get more than enough sunshine to cause harm. Even on cloudy days, prolonged exposure to UV rays can do serious damage to the skin. The first stage is sunburn, which can lead to painful peeling and blistering. Longer periods of exposure can cause the skin to age prematurely, becoming wrinkled or mottled.
The most serious danger of all is skin cancer. While this is not always caused by exposure to the sun, sunburn is the biggest contributing factor. Cancer UK estimates that even occasional sunburn can triple a person’s chances of developing the condition.
The most dangerous form of skin cancer is melanoma. This affects pigment cells, but can spread rapidly to other parts of the body. There are nearly 17,000 cases of melanoma diagnosed in the UK each year, over 2,300 of which prove fatal. Of these deaths, around 50 are thought to have originated in the workplace.
Who is most at risk?
Unsurprisingly, the most vulnerable workers are those who spend the most time outdoors. These include:
- Construction workers
- Gardeners
- Outdoor activity leaders
- Hospitality workers who serve outdoor areas
Although they don’t work outside, drivers are also a high-risk group. Windshields are treated to block UV rays, but back and side windows often aren’t. This can cause the arms and neck to be exposed to a disproportionate amount of UV light during a long journey.
A person’s job is not the only factor that determines their level of risk. There are also physical traits that can make a person more vulnerable:
- Red or fair hair
- Light coloured eyes
- Pale skin that tends to burn before it tans
- A large number of moles
Don’t forget about the eyes
Skin cancer may be the greatest risk, but it’s not the only danger caused by the sun. UV light can cause serious damage to the eyes, often in ways that are irreversible. Short-term exposure can cause eyes to become swollen, bloodshot and hyper-sensitive. Prolonged exposure can lead to cataracts, macular degeneration and even cancer.
What can I do to help?
If relevant for your business, check that you have an adequate risk assessment, and then implement a plan to tackle the risk.
When it comes to skin cancer, a few simple precautions can make a big difference. In fact, experts believe that up to 90% of cases are preventable. An important part of this is talking to your employees. Make sure they are aware of the dangers, and encourage them to take the following steps:
- Wear a shirt at all times
- Wear a hat with a brim
- Regularly apply sunscreen of at least SPF15
- Stay in the shade whenever possible
No matter how careful you are, you can never eliminate the risk of skin cancer altogether. That’s why it’s also vital to teach employees to recognise the early warning signs. These can include a red spot or lump; a scaly patch of hard skin; a new mole, or a mole that has changed size or shape; an ulcer; or a patch of skin that oozes, bleeds or has a crust.
Tell your employees to seek medical advice immediately if they notice any of these symptoms. If necessary, be ready to rearrange shifts to accommodate a doctor’s appointment.
A similar approach can be taken to ocular health. Again, it all comes down to limiting exposure and being vigilant about symptoms. You could consider providing sunglasses with built-in UV protection, or moving outdoor tasks to a shady area. You should also encourage employees to seek medical help if they notice a change in their vision.
For more tips on staying safe this summer, or for help with any other H&S issues, don’t hesitate to give us a call.
