Sun protection at work

Workers in the UK spend different amounts of time outdoors. This page is written for people who spend some or all of their working day outside.

If you work indoors then you still need to think about sun protection during your lunch break over the summer months. The SunSmart messages will help with this.

Why do outdoor workers need sun protection?

If you work outdoors then your skin is regularly exposed to the damaging effects of the sun.

In fact, outdoor workers receive on average 3 to 4 times more UV exposure each year than people who work indoors. This means that fair-skinned outdoor workers are at greater risk of skin cancer unless they take steps to protect themselves.

Employers' legal obligations

Employers have a legal duty to protect the health and safety of their employees according to the:

• Health and Safety at Work Act (1974)
• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (1999)

There is information about employers' legal obligations on the Health and Safety Executive website.

Being SunSmart in the workplace

Cancer Research UK has produced a SunSmart Strategies for the Workplace factsheet for employers and employees. The factsheet stresses the importance of sun protection and skin cancer early detection.

It also includes suggestions for how employers can:

• make provisions for workers to avoid unnecessary midday sun exposure
• encourage workers to cover up
• consider providing sunscreen
• keep their workers informed.

Tips for protecting yourself

Over the summer months employees can take charge of their health by following these tips.

Shade:

• Seek shade where possible between 11 and 3
• Spend your breaks out of the sun

Covering up:

• Choose a protective hat that shades your face, neck, ears and head
• Talk to your employer about including a hat in your uniform
• Wear sunglasses where possible to protect your eyes

Sunscreen:

• Apply factor 15+ sunscreen before you start work and reapply regularly
• Use a sunscreen for sports or with a low oil content if you are doing strenuous activity

If you do get sunburnt regularly tell your employer and discuss what improvements could be made.

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