Some Don’t Like It Hot

Up to 9 in 10 cases of skin cancer could be prevented by staying safe in the sun. In hot weather, some are more vulnerable than others. We have advice.

In fact, a tan is a sign that the skin has been damaged. The damage is caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays in sunlight.

If work keeps you outdoors for a long time, your skin could be exposed to more sun than is healthy for you. Employers of outside workers have a legal duty to do all that is practicable to protect their employees.

People of all skin colours should take care to avoid damage to the eyes, overheating and dehydration while those who have fair or freckled skin that doesn't tan or goes red or burns before it tans and those with red or fair hair and light-coloured eyes are particularly vulnerable.

In the short term, even mild reddening of the skin from sun exposure is a sign of damage. Sunburn can blister the skin and make it peel.

Skin cancer

Longer term problems can arise. Too much sun speeds up ageing of the skin, making it leathery, mottled and wrinkled. The most serious effect is an increased chance of developing skin cancer.

Occupational UV exposure is a factor in one death and five new cases of skin cancer per week in Britain.

In recent surveys, only one in four outdoor workers reported wearing sun cream at work, with the most common reason for not doing so being the effort of applying it. Employers can purchase simple dispensers and insist that their outdoor workers use what is provided. A high sun factor is recommended with re-application throughout the day,

Employees should be warned to stay covered up, with lightweight trousers and long sleeves. Hats are recommended. Hard hats will suffice.

Shade

Packed lunches will mean more workers stay on site. During all breaks, workers should seek out shade or shading can be erected – a gazebo will do. Plenty of water should be provided for hydration. Employers can bring bottled water supplies and even a mobile fridge.

Tea and coffee should be avoided along with other caffeinated drinks that are diuretics and thus, dehydrating.

Moving too fast

Scheduling outside work to a cooler part of the day would be a good practice but may not be practical. However, workers can be advised to take their time or take more breaks, especially water breaks, to avoid heat stroke or exhaustion.

Heat-related stressors include headaches, dizzy spells, loss of appetite and a feeling of sickness. Sweating is normal but is a great indicator of how much water is being lost from the body. Meanwhile cramps and a raised pulse are warning signs that should not be ignored.

Below are some links to further advice on the effects of excessive heat and how to detect and protect against skin cancer.

Picture: You can keep your hat on and your top on and use sun cream to protect against sun exposure.

www.nhs.uk/conditions/heat-exhaustion-heatstroke

www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/sun-uv-and-cancer

www.hse.gov.uk/skin/sunprotect.htm

www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/skin-cancer/signs-and-symptoms-of-skin-cancer