Working outside increases the chance of developing deadly skin cancer, with builders said to be in the group most at risk
Deadly skin cancer is a major risk for construction workers. A new study has revealed British workers who are exposed to the elements account for two per cent of cases of the most deadly form of skin cancer.
According to the study exposure to the sun’s UV rays while working leads to one death and five new cases of malignant melanoma a week.
As well as construction workers those in agriculture, the police, the Armed Forces and other public administration workers are also said to be at risk.
Construction workers are most at risk
The study was published in the British Journal of Cancer and funded by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health. Authors of the study estimated exposure to the sun while working causes 48 deaths and 241 cases of melanoma skin cancer each year. Construction workers accounted for 21 deaths and 101 cases of malignant melanoma, making the sector the most at risk.
Lead researcher Dr Lesley Rushton, of Imperial College London said: “We’ve shown previously that people often don’t understand the risks of damage caused by sun in the UK.
“But this research shows you don’t have to work in the Mediterranean or a traditionally sunny country for the sun to damage your skin.
“It’s important to get to know what your skin is normally like, and to tell your doctor if you notice any changes to how your skin looks or feels.
“Skin cancer can appear as a new mole or mark, or it can be a change to something you’ve had for a while.
“Now that we have a clearer picture of the extent of the damage caused, employers need to make sure they take sun exposure at work seriously and work out how to reduce it.”
The study concluded: “We estimate that two per cent of all cutaneous malignant melanoma in Britain can be attributed to occupational exposure to solar radiation giving approximately one death and five new cancers per week.
“This highlights the need to develop appropriate strategies to reduce this burden.”
Keeping safe in the sun
Commenting on the study, Cancer Research UK’s health information manager Sarah Williams said: “We all need some sun for healthy bones, but too much can increase the risk of skin cancer, and the risk can be higher for some people.
“Generally, the best ways for people to protect their skin is to spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm, and cover up with clothing.
“Also use sunscreen with at least SPF 15 and four or more stars on the parts of the body you can’t cover, like face and hands.”
