Following over a year of lockdowns and COVID restrictions, the urge to get outdoors, for everyone, has never been greater. However, whilst the sun brings benefits – such as helping to replenish our depleted vitamin D levels – it also presents a real hazard, especially to roofers and construction workers about the risks they face whilst working outdoors – and what they can do to protect themselves.
As temperatures rise and the dangers of over-exposure to the sun’s powerful and damaging UV rays increases, Marley has launched its ‘Safe in the Sun’ campaign, urging contractors to focus on the importance of sun safety.
Problems caused by the sun’s damaging rays are well-documented – from premature ageing of the skin and heat exhaustion, through to deadly malignant melanoma. Moreover, being in an outdoor setting can increase the risk of being affected by these conditions.
According to the British Journal of Cancer, working in the sun could lead to one death and five new cases of melanoma skin cancer per week, with construction workers recording the highest number of deaths at 44%.
However, the good news is that experts believe four out of five cases of skin cancer caused by UV exposure could be prevented if robust precautions were taken.
Daniel Redfern, marketing manager at Marley, said: “With contractors working for long periods of time outdoors, often in direct sunshine and intense heat, we aim to provide useful, no-nonsense advice to make sure our customers are aware of the potential risks, and are properly protected.”
Be sun safe
This year’s campaign from Marley focusses on three important lines of defence in the fight against sun-induced illness – Cover Up, Use Sunscreen and Hydrate – to make sure everyone working on-site this summer stays safe in the sun.
Below is Marley’s no-nonsense advice to make sure you are aware of the risks and are properly protected.
- Cover Up
The first line of defence against sun damage should be clothing, ideally made using high rated UPF fabrics, as it provides one of the most effective barriers against the sun’s harmful rays.
Make sure as much skin as possible is covered up, especially areas that burn easily, such as the shoulders.
Whilst a hard hat is essential on-site, those incorporating a brim and flap to shade the face, ears and neck are best.
- Use Sunscreen
Use sunscreen of at least SPF 30 and a star rating of 4 or 5 on all exposed skin. Ideally apply 20 minutes before going outside, both evenly and regularly throughout the day. Consider using a water-resistant formula as it is more able to cope with the effects of sweating.
- Hydrate
Working hard on-site in high temperatures means that the body loses fluid via sweat. To avoid dehydration, heat exhaustion and in extreme cases, heat stroke, drink regularly – ideally water – throughout the day.
Get your Safe in the Sun kit
Providing sun protection when it is needed most, Marley is offering a Safe in the Sun kit, featuring a Marley-branded T shirt, sunscreen and water bottle – everything you need to Cover Up, Use Sunscreen and Hydrate whilst on-site.
All you have to do to receive your essential kit is to visit the Marley website at www.marley.co.uk/safeinthesun and register your details. Stock is limited, so early registration is recommended to avoid disappointment.
For further details on Marley’s Safe in the Sun campaign or any of the company’s products, please visit www.marley.co.uk or call 01283 722222.
