OCC/General/TBT-OCC-029
Sun UV and Skin Cancer Awareness
Occupational Health › General › Sun UV and Skin Cancer Awareness
Toolbox Talk
Sun UV and Skin Cancer Awareness
Construction workers spend more time outdoors than almost any other profession and are at significantly increased risk of skin cancer from ultraviolet radiation exposure. Skin cancer is now the most common form of cancer in the UK, and outdoor workers have a substantially higher incidence than the general population. UV damage is cumulative over a lifetime and occurs even on cloudy days. Protecting your skin from the sun is a health measure that is just as important as wearing a hard hat or safety boots.
Key Hazards
Skin cancer from cumulative ultraviolet radiation exposure over years of outdoor work
Severe sunburn causing blistering, pain, and increased long-term cancer risk
Heat exhaustion from prolonged sun exposure during summer months
Eye damage from UV radiation including cataracts from chronic unprotected exposure
Control Measures
- Apply sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30 to all exposed skin and reapply every two hours.
- Wear long sleeves, a collar, and a hard hat brim or neck shade to protect skin from direct sunlight.
- Schedule outdoor work to avoid the peak UV hours between 11am and 3pm where possible.
- Take breaks in shaded areas during hot sunny weather and drink water regularly.
- Wear UV-protective safety glasses or sunglasses that meet EN 172 standards.
- Check your skin regularly for new or changing moles, sores that do not heal, or unusual patches.
- Report any suspicious skin changes to your GP and mention that you work outdoors.
- Use the UV index forecast to assess the daily risk level and increase protection on high UV days.
- Provide shade structures over static work areas where prolonged outdoor exposure is unavoidable.
Remember
- Construction workers have a significantly higher risk of skin cancer than the general population.
- UV damage is cumulative and occurs even on cloudy days — you cannot see or feel it happening.
- Sunscreen must be at least SPF 30 and reapplied every two hours for effective protection.
- Cover up with long sleeves, collars, and hat brims because clothing is the best UV barrier.
- Check your skin monthly for new or changing moles and see your GP about anything unusual.
- Protecting your skin from the sun is a career-long health measure that prevents cancer.
Applicable Legislation: Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 · CDM Regulations 2015
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