Protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun when you’re working. Follow five simple steps to make sure you enjoy the weather, without putting your health at risk.
1. Cover Up
Wear long, loose clothing to keep the sun off your skin
2. Protect Your Head
Don’t forget your head, face, ears and neck – wear a hat, preferably with a wide brim, and sunglasses with UV protection. If you wear a hard hat, use one fitted with a Legionnaire-style flap. If you wear safety goggles, make sure they have a UV filter
3. Seek Shade
Come out of the sun whenever possible during the most powerful ultraviolet periods (10am–3pm), and remember to stay in the shade during breaks
4. Use Sunscreen
Use SPF 30 or higher on any exposed skin – apply it half an hour before going outside, put plenty on and reapply it frequently
5. Be Skin Safe
Report mole changes (size,
shape, colour, itching or
bleeding) or any other
concerns about your skin
to your doctor as soon as
possible – don’t put it off,
early treatment is important.
Have a look at our simple
skin check guide on the
other page
– Found a new mole?
– Spotted any changes to the size, shape or
colour of an existing mole or patch of skin?
– Noticed a new growth or sore that
doesn’t heal?
– Found a spot, mole or sore that hurts
or is itchy?
– Seen a mole or growth that bleeds, crusts
or scabs?
Remember to check your neck and back too if
they’ve been exposed – in men, this is where
melanoma is most likely to occur. Use a mirror
or get someone else to help you check.
Get any skin problem checked by your GP.
There may be nothing to worry about, but if
something is wrong, treating it early could
stop it getting worse – and even save your life.
Look at Cancer Research UK’s guide to
spotting the signs of skin cancer at
sunsmart.org.uk/UV-the-sun-and skin-cancer/spotting-skin-cancer-early
GET TO KNOW YOUR SKIN
Checking for signs of skin cancer is as easy as A, B, C (and D). Be aware of how your skin normally looks – that way, you’ll notice changes that could be signs of skin cancer.
