'Warmer than average' summer

The Met Office has forecast a ‘warmer than average’ summer this year and according to Marley Eternit, the health of Britain’s outdoor workers could be at risk due to repeated over-exposure to the sun. According to Marley Eternit, roofers are among those at highest risk, due to the length of time they spend in direct sunlight, often through the most dangerous hours of the day between the hours of 12 noon and 2 pm, when the sun’s ultraviolet rays are at their most dangerous. Research carried out by the roofing company has revealed that due to the elevated position of most roofs, surface temperatures can climb significantly higher than the surrounding air temperature, which can exacerbate problems for roofers working in the sun. For example, at an air temperature of 18oC, a typical roof surface in sunlight could reach 32oC and on a very hot day it is not unusual for surface temperatures to reach 60oC. Sarah Hanlon, from Marley Eternit, says: “Due to the length of time that roofers spend working in direct sunlight, there can be virtually no shade or cover for them from the sun. It is not unusual for them to keep working through the hottest period of the day, to catch up on work-time lost during bouts of summer rainfall. “When you combine such work patterns with the higher temperatures that affect most roofs during the summer months, it is easy to see why roofers are at a higher risk of the effects of over-exposure to the sun.” The introduction of corporate manslaughter legislation in April, means that employers could be held accountable if they fail to warn staff about the risks associated with sun exposure and workers subsequently suffer life-threatening conditions like skin cancer as a result. According to Marley Eternit, the arrival of this legislation will encourage all employers to take the risks of over-exposure to the sun more seriously. Sarah Hanlon says: “With a warmer than average summer on the cards, all construction industry employers should give employees advice, in line with the HSE guidelines, that includes taking breaks in the shade, drinking plenty of water and wearing high factor suncream.” Based on guidance from the Health and Safety Executive, Marley Eternit is offering the following ‘safe in the sun’ advice for outdoor workers: • Keep your top on. Opt for tightly woven fabrics, which help to form a barrier to the sun’s harmful rays. • Protect your head with a hat. In most cases this will involve wearing a hard hat, but when these are not needed, hats/caps with brims or a flap that cover the ears and the back of the neck can provide shade for the head. • Use a high factor sunscreen of at least SPF15 on any exposed skin. Apply as directed on the product. • Take a break in the shade if you can, this will reduce the risk of harming your skin and help keep you cool. • Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. • Avoid mild reddening – it is a sign of skin damage and an early sign of burning. • Don’t try to get a tan. It indicates that the skin has been damaged. The risk of skin cancer is linked to prolonged exposure to the sun. • Continue to take care when you go on holiday as the skin remembers every exposure. • Don’t get complacent, get to know the most vulnerable area of your skin, for example, the back of your neck and head. Keep them covered! • Check your skin regularly for unusual moles or spots. See a doctor immediately if you find anything changing in shape, size or colour, itching or bleeding. Employers looking for information to share with outdoor workers about the hazards of sun exposure can obtain details of Health and Safety Executive advice for outdoor workers at www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg337.pdf and www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg147.pdf For further information, please go to www.marleyeternit.co.uk/safeinthesun

For more information on 'Warmer than average' summer talk to Marley Eternit Ltd