Bracknell Roofing is rolling out its Safety in the Sun campaign to ensure that all of its roofing teams are well prepared ahead of the start of the warmer, sunnier weather.
The Burton-on-Trent-based company is keen to get the sun safety message across to all of its 300 plus roofers again this year as part of its health and safety management commitment of continually focusing on a positive safety culture.
It will use its on-site Toolbox Talks as the focal point of delivering key information around skin protection, keeping hydrated and awareness of when UV levels are at their strongest during the day. The company will also give roofers UV sensitive wristbands so that they are equipped to monitor UV strength for themselves throughout the working day.
In addition to this, there will be sustained communication throughout the coming months to ensure the key messages and behaviours are effectively delivered.
Simon Smith, divisional director of the company, which is part of Avonside Group, said that the company takes the issue of safety right across the spectrum – from working at height through to skin protection – extremely seriously.
“We are gearing up for the spring and summer months again this year, and the cornerstone of this is making sure we do everything possible to help our staff and sub-contractors keep safe while they are working on a Bracknell Roofing project,” said Simon.
“This is the seventh year in a row that we’ve run a specific, standalone safety in the sun campaign, and this level of intense focus is fundamental in continually developing a genuine sense responsibility throughout our business.”
The company will remind roofers of their responsibilities – such as the regular application of sun screen, drinking plenty of fluid, taking regular breaks in the shade and ignoring common myths (such as cloud cover preventing skin damage). They are also advised to check their skin for signs of damage that could lead to skin cancer.
Simon added: “We know that a lot of our roofers are well aware that we run a sun safety campaign at this time every year, and the messaging always focuses on the same best practice, but that doesn’t mean we can rest on our laurels.
“There’s a reason we’re the largest slating and tiling company in the UK, and a key part of that, the welfare and safety of our employees and sub-contractors, is our highest priority.”
