Sun exposure at work ’causes one skin cancer death a week’

A new study has demonstrated the significant cancer risk associated with extensive outdoor working in the sun.

The Imperial College London research has indicated that 48 deaths and 241 cases of melanoma skin cancer each year in the UK can be associated with ultraviolet rays absorbed due to workplace sun exposure.

This means that working in the sun could lead to one death and around five new cases of melanoma skin cancer a week, with construction workers at greatest risk, followed by agriculture labourers, public administrators and defence workers.

Responding to the findings, the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health called for British bosses to take further steps to reduce the risk posed by excessive sun exposure to their workers.

Sarah Williams, Cancer Research UK's health information manager, 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."

She added that spending time in the shade between the hours of 11:00 and 15:00, using sun cream and covering up bare skin will help to reduce this risk.

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