Roofers and Builders are putting themselves at risk in the sun

Roofer and builders are not protecting themselves against the harmful effects of the sun new research from Marley Eternit reveals. One in three roofers are putting themselves at risk by failing to wear a high enough sun cream factor or none at all and nearly a quarter of those roofers surveyed don’t protect their arms, legs, back and neck. UK roofers and builders often work when the sun is at its hottest between the hours of 11am-3pm. This puts them at greater risk than most from the harmful effects of the sun. “We urge roofers and builders to protect themselves this summer. If the air temperature is 18°C, the temperature of a typical elevated roof surface for example, exposed to direct sunlight, can easily reach 32°C”, says Sarah Hanlon from Marley Eternit. “With temperatures set to soar this summer, it’s going to get very hot on the roof! It’s not uncommon for roof temperatures to reach 60°C.” Figures from Cancer Research show that over the last 25 years, rates of skin cancer in Britain have risen faster than any other common cancer. Non-melanoma skin cancer, which is mainly caused by sun exposure, is more common in males. Within the UK over a third of male skin cancers arise on the trunk of the body, particularly the back. With these areas of the body often left exposed in the summer sun, it is important that roofers take some simple steps to keep sun-safe: • Keep your top 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 hat at all times. If you aren’t wearing a hard hat, wear a hat or cap with a skip that will also cover the ears and the back of the neck. • Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. • Take regular breaks in the shade if you can. • Check your skin regularly for unusual spots and moles or changes to spots and moles. • Don’t try to get a tan and don’t let yourself get burnt – it indicates you have damaged your skin. It appears, roofers and builders are already following some of this advice, with the survey revealing that 96% of those questioned saying they drank more water during the summer months. Kimberley Carter of the British Association of Dermatologists said: “Unfortunately, by the very nature of their work, roofers and builders are at higher risk of skin cancer than many other professions, because of the amount of time spent outdoors in the sun. “When it’s hot, it’s tempting to strip off to cool down. But without any fabric to protect the skin, you can easily burn, which greatly increases your chances of developing melanoma – the deadliest type of skin cancer. Sunscreen can help, but use a minimum of SPF 30 and a water resistant formula so it doesn’t come off as easily when you sweat, and make sure you reapply at least every two hours.”

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