Marley urges outdoor workers to stay safe in the sun

Marley is urging all outdoor roofing and construction workers to protect themselves and their skin from the harmful effects of UV rays caused by increased sun exposure.

The business’ ‘Safe in the Sun’ campaign has returned for the year to help spread the ‘cover-up and keep safe’ message further.

As part of the campaign, Marley is once again also giving away free sachets of sun cream via merchants nationwide.

Recent research into sun exposure in the UK construction sector from Nottingham University found most of those surveyed said they didn’t take measures to protect themselves against sun exposure, mainly due to the misconception that the UK climate doesn’t pose a high risk of skin cancer.

However, each year there are more than 1,500 new cases of work-related non-melanoma skin cancer, with a report from IOSH finding that nine in 10 skin cancer deaths could be prevented if precautions to avoid sun damage were made.

UV exposure can also cause premature ageing of the skin, a range of vision-impairing eye conditions such as cataracts, skin cancer and even vision loss.

To support those in the industry, Marley has shared the following helpful advice:

 Keep a shirt or jacket on and opt for tightly woven fabrics, which help to form a barrier to the sun’s harmful rays.

• Don’t leave exposed skin unprotected. Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and remember to reapply regularly.
• Wear a hard hat at all times, preferably with a brim and flap that will cover the ears and the back of the neck.
• Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
• Check your skin regularly for unusual spots and moles, or changes to spots and moles.
• Wear safety sunglasses with a UV 400 rating to not only protect eyes from harmful UV rays, but also increase comfort levels when working in bright conditions.
• Check that eye protection is certified in line with EN 166 (personal eye protection) and EN 172 (sun glare filters for industrial use).