There's a perception that the UK climate does not pose a great risk of skin cancer.1 Yet 1 in 3 cancers diagnosed is skin cancer, this makes skin cancer one of the most common cancers. Those most affected are employees who work partly or completely outdoors. About 90% of all skin cancers are caused by excessive UV exposure.
Annually in the UK there are 1,500 cases of non-malignant skin cancer, which is more easily treatable, and 240 cases of malignant melanoma, which is more likely to be fatal.2 Research has found that just over 40% of construction workers thought there was no need to wear sunscreen on a cloudy day.1 But UV rays can penetrate clouds and textiles, so protection is still required.
Adopted by the World Health Organisation, the UV Index indicates the UV levels on a daily basis and advises when sun protection measures are required. Protection is necessary from a UV Index of level 3 and/or above.3
