Blog

19 Jun

Sun Safety for Roofers

Roofing is an industry particularly at risk of skin damage due to UV light and sun safety should always be paramount. Workers tend to be out in the sun all day in an elevated position, with many choosing to remove clothing for improved comfort in hotter conditions. When it’s warm, this is the obvious thing to do but it’s still important to understand the effects sun exposure can have on your skin.

Spreading the Word

JRC Slate is proud to help spread the word about skin cancer risks and help increase awareness on how to protect yourself in the workplace.

The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) has issued a recent warning to those within the trade. This is because the health risks associated with sun exposure are so great; the British Journal of Cancer estimate there are 48 deaths and 241 cases of melanoma skin cancer caused by working in direct sunlight each year.

That figure is enormous and highlights the problem faced by an industry with no choice but to work out in the sun. Although roofers must work outside, there are steps you can take to improve sun safety and safeguard your health.

Protect Yourself

It is vital to protect your skin from sun exposure. A few simple actions can help to minimise the risk of developing melanoma and other skin conditions:

• Cover up – make sure you always wear a t-shirt or similar clothing to provide adequate protection from direct sunlight.
• Don’t forget your head – a hard hat should always be worn. Doing so protects you from more than just falling objects!
• Sunglasses – your eyes can also be damaged by the sun. Make sure to wear shaded glasses, particularly on sunny days.
• Use sun cream – sun cream should be thoroughly applied to any skin that cannot be covered up. Remember to re-apply regularly and always use at least SPF 15.
• Check your skin – melanomas often develop where there are existing moles and other skin marks. Get to know your moles and visit a doctor if any change shape or colour.

Other handy tips include making sure you’re properly hydrated and wearing a UV wrist band. Such wrist bands are designed to turn cloudy when UV light is intense, warning you to seek sun protection.

90% of all skin cancer deaths are preventable if proper sun safety precautions are undertaken in the workplace!

Your health is more important than any roofing job. Make sure you protect yourself, from your friends here at JRC Slate.