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Ultraviolet (UV) radiation rises between April and September and outdoor workers – in construction, agriculture, transport, fisheries, maintenance, local authorities, and water safety – face significantly increased exposure that can lead to sunburn, eye damage and long-term risks such as skin cancer. With over 11,000 cases of skin cancer diagnosed in Ireland each year, and numbers continuing to rise, increasing awareness about prevention is more important than ever. The NCCP is calling on all organisations with outdoor workers to prioritise UV protection in the workplace as part of their employee safety and wellbeing policies. It is encouraging employers to integrate UV safety into their occupational health strategies and to support staff in adopting SunSmart behaviours. Outdoor workers and employers can reduce the risk of skin cancer by following the Healthy Ireland SunSmart 5 S’s:
1. Slip on clothing that covers your skin, such as long sleeves and collared T-shirts.
2. Slop on sunscreen. Use SPF 30 or higher, apply 20 minutes before going outside, and reapply every two hours, or more often if sweating.
3. Slap on a wide-brimmed hat or a hard hat with a brim or neck flap.
4. Seek shade, especially between 11am and 3pm, when UV rays are strongest. Where possible, schedule outdoor work outside these hours.
5. Slide on wraparound sunglasses.