As the UK gets set
for summer, roof systems manufacturer, Marley, is urging all outdoor
construction workers to look after both their skin and eyes to reduce the
damage caused by increased sun exposure.
Latest figures from
IOSH identified 1,700 people in the UK are diagnosed with skin cancers each
year as a direct result of occupational exposure to UV radiation. Meaning,
outdoor workers, including roofers, are at a greater risk of skin damage from
UV rays, including premature ageing and skin cancer.
However, while for
many outdoor workers the dangers of increased sun exposure to the skin is well
known, it’s not the only organ which is at risk, with eyes also susceptible to
damage by UV rays. In fact, more than 99% of UV radiation is absorbed by the front
of the eye, which, over long periods of time, can lead to visible ageing around
the eye area, cataracts, skin cancer on the eye lids and even vision loss.
To promote sun
safety across the construction industry, this year, Marley ‘s annual Safe in
the Sun campaign is focus is on encouraging outdoor workers to protect both
their skin and eyes from increased exposure to UV rays.
Emily Jane Dix, who
is leading the campaign at Marley, said: “Our Safe in the Sun campaign has been
running for more than 15 years, and over this time, we have seen roofing
contractors take positive steps to help reduce the risk of sun damage on their
skin.
“Yet, when it comes
to your face, it isn’t only your skin that is at risk from sun damage. After
the skin, the organ most susceptible to damage from sunlight is the eye. Which
is why this year’s Safe in the Sun campaign will not only continue to build on
previous years, but also include an increased focus on how to safely protect
the eyes too.”
Gary
Walpole, safety, health and environment officer at the National Federation of
Roofing Contractors, says: “UV light is one of
the many hazards that can damage your eyesight, so it is important to wear
protection. A roofer, or other construction worker, wearing safety sunglasses
will not only protect their eyes from harmful UV rays, they will also feel more
comfortable when working in bright conditions as the glasses will reduce
disruptive reflections (glass, light coloured roofing membranes etc). Safety
sunglasses with UV 400 protection and the relevant British Standards kitemark
or CE mark, can help vision be significantly safer and more pleasant in sunny
and bright conditions.”
To help ensure
outdoor workers are safe in the sun this summer, Marley has put together the
following advice:
Sun safety on site
- Don’t leave exposed skin
unprotected. Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 25 and remember to
reapply regularly throughout the day.
- To reduce the amount of
suncream needed, consider using long sleeved, lightweight, UV-protective
PPE.
- Wear a pair of safety
sunglasses with UV protection. Look for a UV 400 rating and check they are
certified
in line with EN 166 (personal eye protection) and EN 172 (sun glare filters for
industrial use).
- As safety sunglasses will
only cover part of your face, to prevent skin cancer and ageing, make sure
you also apply sunscreen to the rest of your face.
- Make sure you apply suncream,
even when it is cloudy - up to 80% of dangerous UV rays can pass through a
cloudy sky.
Get a free bottle of
sun cream, while stocks last, by sending your name and email address to info@marley.co.uk. For more advice
about staying safe in the sun, visit www.marley.co.uk
