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Occupational Sun Exposure Statistics

Find out about the full extent of occupational sun exposure to outdoor workers

The sun's UV rays are a carcinogen, an invisible killer and primary cause of skin cancer in Ireland. 90% of deaths are preventable2, if the right precautions are taken.

Most companies believe they are already implementing sufficient measures to combat this. However, what they don’t realise is that if workers do not apply sunscreen and have not had appropriate training on the risks of working outdoors, this puts workers at serious risk of illness and companies at risk of litigation and fines.


Here are some yearly Irish statistics linked to solar radiation:

  • Over 13,000 new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed every year7
  • Nine out of 10 cases of skin cancer are caused by over-exposure to the sun’s UV rays and/or sun beds7
  • Outdoor workers could be exposed up to 10 times more than an indoor worker1
  • Two thirds of those working an average of seven hours a day don’t know they are at risk of developing skin cancer5
  • Getting painful sunburn just once every two years can triple the risk of melanoma6

Effects of Occupational Sun Exposure

Skin cancers seldom hurt and are frequently seen than felt:

  • Tumours occur on the head, face, neck, and hands
  • Large tumours can develop around the mouth and nose

Left untreaded skin cancer can:

  • Grow larger and cause problems beneath the skin, sometimes damaging the muscles and bones
  • Spread to other parts of the body to form new cancers

Download a copy of our Damaging Effects poster to find out more about the damaging effects.


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Recommended Products

Our range of sun protection lotions and dispensers are ideal for outdoor workers who need to protect themselves against damaging ultraviolet rays.


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